Agritourism

Description:  This area is a result of the merging of agricultural and entertainment components.  Equine Agritourism provides opportunities for the general public to have access to horses for specific activities at the farm, camp or other equine-related facility.  The Agricultural Resource Marketing Center has a definition, checklist and resouces related to agritourism in general  (http://www.agmrc.org/agmrc/commodity/agritourism/) and  a definition and links for equine agritourism specifically (http://www.agmrc.org/agmrc/commodity/agritourism/equineagritourism/).

Proximity to Horses: Close

Specific careers related to agritourism:

• Camp management: generally very focused on a specific type of riding style or audience
• Trail ride guides/scouts
• Trail ride management

Preparation Required:  Assuming you have the land, horses and talent in that area, you will want to develop a business plan and do a thorough assessment of risk and reduction of liability.  You will want to work with trained professionals as you proceed.  Depending on your background, you may also need training in supervising employees, marketing, and other aspects of managing your own business. 

Educational Opportunities:  Check with your local Extension Office or state Departments of Agriculture or Tourism for workshops being offered.  They may also offer websites or events calendars which you can use to assist in promotion of your business.

Funding Opportunity:

• KELT Funding Information - Rural/Agri Tourism, Kildare, Ireland - http://www.kelt.ie/funding_info/rural-tourism.asp

Related Associations, Websites and Other Links¹:

• Oklahoma Agritourism Site - http://www.oklahomaagritourism.com/index.php?/resources/equine_tourism - Resources related to equine agritourism provided by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry and the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department
• Tennessee Walking Horse Equine Trails Initiative - http://www.twhbea.com/EquineTrailsInitiative.htm
• Texas Equestrian Trail Riders Association - http://www.tetratrails.com/
• Trailride Info - http://www.texastrailriding.com/default.asp - A listing of trailrides offered in several states.  This site provides an opportunity for promotion of scheduled trail rides

Specific Examples:

• Camp at the Woods, St. Mary-of-the-Woods, IN - http://www.campatthewoods.org/equine.html
• Colorado State University Equine Science Youth Camp - http://equinescience.colostate.edu/content/view/36/51/ - 5 day, overnight camp
• Equine Experiences and Trail Rides, Rolling Hills Estates, CA - http://trailrides.homestead.com/ 
• Griffinsburg Equine Trail Rides, Boston, VA http://www.griffinsburgequine.com/trailrides.htm 
• Pebble Beach Equestrian Center, Pebble Beach, CA - http://www.ridepebblebeach.com/index.html - Provide boarding, lessons, camps, trail rides and shows.  Summer Equine Camp at Diamond Oaks, Cincinnati, OH - http://www.greatoaks.com/pages/-5691-/summerequinecamp2008.pdf

Lists of equine agritourism related ventures:

• Horse & Mule Trail Guide USA - http://www.horseandmuletrails.com/ 
• The Judges Choice - Riding Schools and Camps - http://www.thejudgeschoice.com/schools_camps.htm - Promotes camps international camps available.
• MySummerCamps.com - http://www.mysummercamps.com/camps/Sports_Camps/Equestrian_and_Horseback_Riding/index.html - Includes an equine section, advertising camps available as well as offering resources to camp providers.
• Oklahoma Trail Rides and Campgrounds - http://www.shopoklahoma.com/equestrian.htm
• SummerCamps.com - Equestrian Page - http://www.summercamps.com/cgi-bin/summercamps/search.cgi?Equestrian=Equestrian - Lists camps, employment opportunities and provides camp tips

Example of Local Support:

• Economic Development Plan from Town of Dunn Comprehensive Plan - http://town.dunn.wi.us/LandUse/Chapter%207%20Economic%20Development%20Plan.pdf

¹Links do not indicate endorsement of the site or related organizations, but are provided as a starting point for the user in determining credibility and relevance for their purposes.