Rural business Diversification Ideas - Equestrian and Animals

We can’t get away from the fact that we are a nation of animal lovers. In 2021, the market value for pet care products reached over 5.1 billion euros with pet owners spending thousands on their animals each year. If you are thinking of starting a business in this industry, there is huge scope within this market, and here are some ideas to get you thinking.

Pet Accessories

  • Equipment and toy manufacturing
  • Luxury products for pets like treats and clothing
  • Animal clothing
  • Handmade pet accessories
  • Pet toys
  • Equestrian clothing
  • Equestrian equipment

Dogs

  • Dog training and agility
  • Gun dog training
  • Kennels and catteries
  • Pet boarding
  • Doggy daycare
  • Pet sitting
  • Dog walking

Pet and animal health

  • Animal feed
  • Animal treats
  • Animal bedding
  • Pet cafes
  • Pet bakeries
  • Animal behaviourist
  • Animal physio
  • Dog grooming
  • Feed supplements
  • Mobile vet
  • Pet nutritionist
  • Horse whisperer

Doggy Daycare expansion helps family farm's finances

Jane Miller and her husband’s family have been farming for generations. Traditionally a mixed, arable, beef and dairy farm, the family made the decision to come out of dairy 10 years ago as the business became financially unviable.

“We have had some experience of diversification projects so when we were approached by Bruce Casalis who was looking for land to expand his doggy day care business we were very amenable to the business idea.”

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Equestrian businesses

  • Liveries
  • Trekking and hacking
  • Equestrian breaks
  • Riding lessons
  • Riding instructor
  • Online courses
  • Freelance groom
  • Equine nutritionist
  • Hiring out horses

Couple diversify family farm to 'his and her' project

For Ted and Jackie Howard-Jones inheriting the family farm in 2005 provided the opportunity to capitalise on its stunning location and practical facilities to establish multiple business ventures.

Nestled in the heart of the Chilterns in Buckinghamshire, Cholsey Grange Farm was once home to Ted’s parents who ran it as a working farm with alternative income streams.

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Ancillary

  • Alpaca or Llama trekking
  • Farm sitting
  • Pet hotels
  • Pet photographer
  • Rescue centre
  • Pet event organise
  • Pet portrait artist

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