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How do I purchase land to start my equine training program?
I am in a police mount program where I am training two colts for mounted police units. I graduate next year and have already begun providing horse-riding lessons and horse training services. I would like to purchase property that is cross fenced, has water, and maybe shelter to start my business. #Spring2026
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Rafael’s Answer
Hi Gracie! For purchasing land, your first step is getting pre-approved for a loan, and you'll want to look specifically into USDA Rural Development loans or Farm Service Agency loans since they're designed for agricultural properties and often have lower down payments and favorable terms for young or beginning farmers. When you're shopping for property, definitely prioritize the essentials you mentioned like cross fencing, water access, and shelter, but also consider soil drainage, road access for trailer traffic, and zoning laws to make sure you can legally operate a commercial equine business on the land. Building a basic business plan before you start the buying process is key because lenders will want to see your projected income from lessons and training services, and it'll also help you figure out how much property you can realistically afford. Don't overlook local agricultural extensions offices in Tennessee either, because they can connect you with grants, resources, and even mentorship programs for young entrepreneurs in the equine industry. Starting smaller with a lease-to-own arrangement or renting a property with existing infrastructure is also a solid option if purchasing right away feels like too big of a jump financially, since it lets you grow your client base and revenue before committing to a mortgage!