CHAPTER 5 Developing Your Property into a Horse Farm
CHAPTER 6 Keeping Up the Value of the Farm
Your Biggest Investment
Deciding to Sell
Sell it Yourself, or Use an Agent?
Calculating Realized Gain (or Loss)
CHAPTER 8 Starting an Equine-Related Business
Purchasing an Existing Business
Managing the Risks of Self-Employment
Dealing with Potential Problem Areas
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
First and foremost, I thank my husband, who, when asked if he wanted a copy of the book replied, “Why do I need one? I have already read each chapter twenty times with pen in hand!” Thanks to Mom and Dad and special thanks to all who supported my ideas, gave willingly of their time and endured my questions in order to bring this book together. Among them were: Jeffrey Zwerdling, Esquire and Brett Zwerdling, Esquire, with the Law Offices of Zwerdling & Oppleman, P.C., Robert Harper with the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, Greg B. Farmer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Colonial Farm Credit, ACA, Thomas Newton, DVM, Denise Gorondy, DVM, Ernest M. Swartz, MSW, Junior Johnson, Bet Poarch, Joel Groover, Albert Myers,Thom Trout, Nicole McCabe, Esquire, and Mike Roane, CPA, Jeff Love, CPA, Greg Forman, CPA and Elizabeth Amos, CPA with Mitchell, Wiggins & Company, LLP, Certified Public Accountants and Consultants. Lastly, I appreciate the staff at Trafalgar Square. Caroline Robbin’s additions and organizational contributions were most helpful, and Rebecca Schmidt’s patience, hard work, and sense of humor made the process enjoyable.
CHAPTER ONE
Open Your Heart… and Your Wallet
THE PERSONAL MEANING OF HORSE OWNERSHIP
Deciding to purchase a horse ranks up there with getting married or buying a house—it can be just as expensive as either of those undertakings. I have had horses since I was fourteen, and as a financial analyst, I now realize that if I had saved and invested all the money I have spent on horses over the years, I could be rich!