Can I write-off horse expenses?
Sarah Garza
Updated on April 06, 2026
The IRS allows equestrian professionals who run horse-related businesses to report receipts as business income, as well as write off expenses and asset depreciations.
Can you claim expenses before a business starts?
When can you deduct business startup costs? Expenses that were startup expenses before your business began become currently deductible business operating expenses. For example, supplies you purchase after your business starts are currently deductible operating expenses.
Can I write-off my truck as a business expense?
If you use your car in your business, you can deduct car expenses. If you use your car for both business and personal purposes, you must divide your expenses based on actual mileage.
How much can I deduct for business start up expenses?
How much can I deduct? If you spent less than $50,000 total on your business start-up costs, you can deduct $5,000 of those costs immediately, in the year that your business starts operating. Same thing goes for your total organizational costs.
Is horse boarding profitable?
Operating Expenses
| Property A 20 Acre City Stable | Property B 100 acre Rural Stable | |
|---|---|---|
| Possible Net Income | 151,540/yr | 386,470/yr |
| Net Income Per Horse | 664.65/month/horse | 322.06/month/horse |
| Average 75% Mortgage 3.92% 30 Years | 85,104 /yr | 42,552 /yr |
| Net After Mortgage | 66,436 /yr | 343,918 /yr |
What can I deduct for farm expenses?
Farmers, like other business owners, may deduct “ordinary and necessary expenses paid . . . in carrying on any trade or business.” IRC § 162. In agriculture, these ordinary and necessary expenses include car and truck expenses, fertilizer, seed, rent, insurance, fuel, and other costs of operating a farm.
Can you deduct a horse as a business expense?
First, if your equestrian activities constitute a business, you can deduct any of your ordinary and necessary horse expenses as business expenses.
Can you write off the expenses of starting your own business?
Starting a new business can be very exciting. Despite the fervor that accompanies a startup, there are certain costs associated with getting a new business running. You may be able to reduce the amount of tax you pay based on these expenses.
Where does the money come from for a horse business?
As discussed here, it is usually not possible to remain profitable in a horse business solely on board income. Instead, the lion’s share of horse business income usually comes from lessons, clinics, training, and horse sales. If you allow outside trainers to give lessons or train at your facility, be sure to charge them a facility/arena usage fee.
How to run a successful horse training business?
You can find more great articles about running a successful horse business here. Denise Cummins has over 30 years experience as an equestrian and horse business owner. In The Thinking Equestrian, she shares valuable tips on caring for and training horses, giving riding instruction, and running a successful horse business.
