What are equestrian loans?

Equestrian loans are specialist commercial lending products designed for businesses and individuals operating in the equine sector. They recognise the unique nature of equestrian enterprises — a mix of property, land, specialist equipment, animal welfare obligations and seasonal cashflow. Unlike standard business loans, equestrian finance is structured around the specific assets and trading patterns of yards, studs and related businesses, and can be tailored for property purchase, development, equipment hire purchase, and working capital.

At Gable Asset Finance we broker solutions from a panel of lenders who understand the equine market: high value land and buildings, livestock considerations, planning nuances, and the need for appropriate repayment profiles. We combine sector knowledge with practical structuring to help you access the right finance on competitive terms.

Types of equestrian businesses that may require loans

Equestrian businesses are diverse. The loans and finance routes differ depending on whether you are buying property, developing an arena, expanding livery capacity, or supplying stable blocks. Typical businesses we help include:

Yards & facilities

• Livery yards — DIY, full, part and competition liveries needing barn upgrades, new stables or expanded turnout areas.
• Riding schools — investments in indoor arenas, viewing galleries, lesson horses and teaching facilities.
• Training & racing yards — from racehorse stables to performance training yards requiring bespoke exercise areas, horse walkers and solariums.
• Polo & event yards — large paddocks, polo arenas, spectator facilities and access improvements.
• Stud farms — broodmare housing, stallion facilities, quarantine areas and foaling boxes.

Property-related businesses

• Equestrian-tied properties (properties with agricultural or equestrian restrictions) — purchase, conversion and refinancing.
• Land development — converting agricultural fields to arenas, cross-country courses or hacking networks.

Service providers and contractors

• Builders and suppliers of stable blocks, arena surfaces, fencing and drainage.
• Surface contractors and specialist installers who require plant, machinery and working capital for projects.

Specialised activities

• Trekking centres, hacking operators and equestrian tourism businesses developing trails or client accommodation.
• Rehabilitation and equine physiotherapy clinics investing in solariums, treadmills and recovery equipment.

How equestrian loans are used

Equestrian loans can be applied to almost every commercial need relevant to the sector. Typical uses include:

Purchase or development of property & land

Loans for acquiring freehold or leasehold yards, paddocks and equestrian-tied cottages. Funding can cover land purchase, subdivision, installation of sand/arena bases, drainage, bunds and planning/permitting costs. Development finance may also be used to build or refurbish stable blocks, indoor arenas, gallops and cross-country fences.

Equipment & specialised machinery

Finance can acquire solariums, horse walkers, hot water systems, arena draggers, muck-handling equipment, tractors and fencing machinery. Asset finance routes like hire purchase and leasing allow you to spread the high cost of such kit.

Facilities & infrastructure upgrades

Arena surfacing, stable refurbishment, tack room fittings, wash bays, veterinary treatment rooms, foaling suites and drainage improvements are common projects funded through equestrian finance.

Working capital & cashflow

Seasonal income profiles and livery payment timings may create temporary cash pressures. Revolving facilities, overdrafts, seasonal loans and invoice finance can help manage payroll, feed purchases, vet bills and ongoing operating costs.

Diversification and value-added projects

Loans can fund diversification projects such as adding holiday lets, livery-owned caravans for clients, developing hacking routes with waymarking and access, or creating event and training spaces that generate additional income streams.

Common equestrian finance products and how they work

Selecting the right product depends on your objectives: ownership, cashflow flexibility, tax treatment and asset life. Below are the most commonly used structures:

Commercial mortgages

Used for property purchases (freehold or long leasehold), commercial mortgages are long-term loans secured against the property. Lenders assess the property value, planning status, potential income (livery fees, riding lessons, events) and the borrower’s financial position. Terms typically range from 5–25 years depending on lender and security.

Development & bridging finance

Short-term funding to purchase and improve land or property pending refinancing or sale. Bridging loans are used when timing is critical (e.g. quick purchase at auction or to start works before planning is finalised). Development finance covers staged payments as construction or upgrades progress and is typically repaid by long-term mortgage or sale.

Asset finance (hire purchase & chattel mortgage)

Ideal for equipment like horse walkers, tractors and solariums. Hire purchase (HP) involves a deposit and monthly payments, with ownership transferring on completion. Chattel mortgages are similar but treat the asset as security for a loan, often allowing different VAT and accounting treatment. These options spread cost and can include maintenance packages.

Lease & rental agreements

Operating leases or rentals suit businesses that prefer to avoid ownership and aim to upgrade regularly. They can also be useful for short-term projects or event equipment. Leasing payments are treated as operating expenses in many cases.

Working capital facilities

Overdrafts, revolving credit facilities, invoice discounting and short-term loans help manage day-to-day cashflow, payroll and seasonal peaks. Merchant cash advances are available but typically more expensive and should be used with caution.

Sale & leaseback

If you own property or key equipment outright, sale & leaseback releases capital by selling the asset to a specialist and leasing it back. This preserves operational use while unlocking funds for expansion or debt reduction.

Green or sustainability-linked finance

Where projects improve environmental performance (e.g. renewable heating for stables, rainwater harvesting for yards), lenders may offer dedicated or preferential finance terms. Ask about green options if your project has a sustainability case.

Who is eligible and what lenders look for

Lenders assess equestrian loan applications considering both property/asset security and business trading strength. Typical factors include:

• Type of business — sole trader, partnership, limited company.
• Trading history — historic accounts, turnover, profit margins, and bank statements for established businesses.
• Business plan & projections — particularly important for start-ups, diversification projects and developments.
• Asset quality — condition and value of property, stables and equipment; for used kit, service records and inspections are important.
• Location & planning — planning consents, access, flood risk, and permitted use can materially affect lending decisions.
• Owner / director profile — experience in equestrian operations, credit history and personal assets where personal guarantees may be required.

Start-ups and new ventures are frequently funded where a clear, modest and properly modelled plan exists. Lenders are pragmatic but will require evidence that repayments are affordable once the business is operating at expected levels.

Practical considerations when arranging equestrian finance

Below are the most common practical questions our clients face when funding equestrian projects.

Planning, environment and access

Finance for property development will usually require either existing planning permission for equestrian use or a realistic route to consent. Environmental constraints (protected habitats, flood plains) can complicate lending; early engagement with planning and lenders reduces surprises.

Insurance and animal welfare

Lenders insist on adequate insurance — buildings, public liability, employer’s liability and animal mortality where applicable. Demonstrable welfare procedures and veterinary arrangements reassure lenders and increase acceptability of the business model.

Utilities and waste management

Stables and yards need water, waste disposal, slurry management and often septic systems. Lenders will want to see appropriate infrastructure plans and budgets for ongoing operating costs.

Security and asset valuation

Property valuations and independent equipment valuations are often required. High-quality photographs, service histories and inspection reports for used machinery improve the speed and outcome of applications.

Seasonality and cashflow

Plan financing around seasonal income. Livery fees are often paid monthly or quarterly, event income tends to be lumpy, and agricultural income (if relevant) may vary with the year. Seasonal repayment profiles or revolving facilities can smooth this mismatch.

Detailed case studies — real world examples

Frequently asked questions (extended)

Can I get finance for an equestrian-tied property?

Yes. Lenders will want to see the nature of the tie, any occupancy restrictions, history of use and a realistic plan for ongoing operation. Some lenders specialise in tied-property lending and understand the nuances of restricted use properties.

Is planning permission always required before lending?

Not always, but lenders prefer to see either existing consents or a credible route to obtaining permission. Where development is speculative, bridging or development finance may be used with conditions tied to achieving planning permissions.

What about environmental and welfare regulation?

Compliance with animal welfare, waste management, slurry storage and environmental protection regulations is essential. Lenders will review these risks and may require mitigation plans or proof of compliance as a condition of lending.

Can I finance used equipment?

Yes. Used horse walkers, tractors, muck-handlers and even solariums can be financed; lenders typically ask for inspection reports and service histories which speed underwriting and improve loan terms.

How long does the application take?

Turnaround varies: a simple equipment HP can be agreed in days; property and development finance can take several weeks depending on valuations, planning checks and due diligence. We manage the process to meet project timelines.

Will I need a personal guarantee?

Depending on the business structure, lender, loan size and credit profile, personal guarantees are common, particularly for smaller businesses or where director’s experience and personal assets support the application.

What documentation is typically required?

Examples include business accounts (1–3 years), management accounts, bank statements, ID for directors, purchase invoices or quotes, planning documents (if relevant), asset inspection reports (for used kit) and a business plan or cashflow forecast where appropriate.

Do lenders value equestrian assets highly?

Property with suitable access, infrastructure and permitted equestrian use generally holds good value in its market. Equipment valuations vary — specialist kit in good condition commands stronger residual values. Quality documentation improves valuation certainty.

Tax, accounting and VAT considerations

Financial structuring can have tax and accounting consequences — discuss these with your accountant. Key points to consider:

• Capital allowances: Certain assets may qualify for capital allowances, offering initial tax relief on qualifying expenditure.
• VAT treatment: VAT on property, plant and equipment is complex. VAT-registered businesses may recover VAT on purchased equipment; for hire purchase VAT is often payable up front or on instalments depending on the arrangement.
• Leasing versus buying: Lease payments are often deductible as operating expenses, while buying an asset creates a capital cost that may be depreciated or claimed via capital allowances.
• Grant interactions: If you receive or apply for rural grants, scheme rules may restrict financed items or require certain ownership structures — always clarify before financing.

Risks and how to mitigate them

Every project has risks. Common ones in the equestrian sector include planning refusal, construction delays, welfare incidents and seasonal revenue shortfalls. Practical mitigation steps include:

• Robust business plans: Conservative cashflow modelling and contingency lines.
• Phased development: Stage works to match cashflow and reduce capital locked into early phases.
• Service contracts: Include maintenance for critical equipment within financing to avoid unexpected costs.
• Insurance: Comprehensive cover for assets, public liability and employer’s liability.
• Regulatory compliance: Early environmental and welfare checks reduce risk of enforcement or costly rectification.

Practical tips for securing the best equestrian loan

1. Prepare a clear business plan: Lenders want to understand how the loan will be repaid — show realistic income and cost forecasts.
2. Gather thorough documentation: Photos, service logs, planning permissions and quotes speed decision-making.
3. Think about timing: Align drawdowns with contractor milestones and seasonal income peaks.
4. Consider including service & warranty: Bundling maintenance into finance smooths cashflow and reduces downtime risk.
5. Shop around: Specialist lenders often understand equestrian risks better than general high-street lenders and can be more flexible on terms.
6. Plan for contingency: Leave a buffer (typically 5–10%) in project budgets to cover unforeseen works.

Glossary — quick definitions

Hire Purchase (HP)

A finance agreement to buy an asset by paying a deposit and monthly instalments; ownership transfers when the final payment is made.

Chattel Mortgage

A loan secured against movable property (e.g. machinery), where the borrower owns the asset but the lender holds a charge until repaid.

Sale & Leaseback

Selling an owned asset to a financier and leasing it back, releasing capital while retaining operational use.

Bridging Loan

Short-term finance used to “bridge” the period until longer-term funding is arranged. Typically higher cost and repaid quickly.

Development Finance

Staged funding for construction or conversion projects, paid in drawdowns as phases complete.

How to apply — step by step

Getting started with Gable Asset Finance is straightforward. Follow these steps for a smooth application:

1. Initial enquiry: Contact our equestrian team by phone or email with an outline of your project (purchase, equipment, development or working capital).
2. Provide basic information: Business details, recent accounts, bank statements, supplier quotes, asset details and any planning documentation.
3. Discuss structure: We’ll advise on the most appropriate financing route and lender options based on your objectives and profile.
4. Formal submission: We prepare and submit the application to selected lenders and manage due diligence and queries.
5. Offer & documentation: On approval we will explain terms, fees and conditions; legal documentation is completed and funds scheduled.
6. Drawdown & completion: Funds are released per the agreed schedule and you begin delivering your project.

We act as your adviser and intermediary throughout the process, negotiating terms and managing documentation so you can focus on the business.

Contact Gable Asset Finance — equestrian lending specialists

If you are planning to buy a yard, expand a riding school, invest in solariums or horse walkers, develop land for cross-country or need flexible working capital, contact our specialist equestrian team for a confidential discussion and indicative terms.

Tell us briefly about your project and a member of the team at Gable Asset Finance will call you back to discuss options and next steps.