Horse Hotel A Profitable Sideline

Horse Hotel A Profitable Sideline 29-5-9 People hauling horses across Indiana on I-70 can find a great place to stay for both themselves and their animals. Mike and Melinda Gerrish run a "horse hotel" that caters to horse lovers. They'll feed your horses and even clean out trailers, but owners have to fend for themselves. "When we bought this place, I said it would be a great place for an overnight stop for people with horses," says Mike. "Melinda took the idea and ran with it. We had traveled across country with a horse so we knew how hard it is to find good accommodations." At first, all they offered was stalls for the horses. People could hook campers up to electricity or pitch a tent. The Gerrishs also worked out a reduced rate at a local Best Western motel. Last year that changed. "People wanted a place other than trailers to stay close to their horses," says Melinda. "We started with a bunkhouse in the barn, and last October we put up a log cabin." The cabin has a queen size bed, a set of bunk beds and a sleeper sofa. It's air conditioned, heated and offers a TV, coffee maker and refrigerator. Otherwise, it is rustic with a portable toilet behind the cabin and bottled water on the inside. Shower facilities are down the road at a local truck stop. Horses must have health papers in order, including Coggins results. Buckets get washed out with bleach water between uses, and facilities are kept clean and neat. Prices are simple, too, at $35 for a single person or $52 for two or more. Horse stalls and turnouts are even less expensive at $15 a head plus $3/feeding. "We have had visitors from 38 states and British Columbia, plus a professional polo player from Argentina," says Melinda. "Most business has come from our internet site, but we are also listed on the Horse Motels International horsemotel.com website." In addition to the one-room cabin, facilities include 15 stalls, a turnout area, a round pen, a large riding area and a 220 by 320-ft. arena. Several nearby veterinarians are on call. A camping area and campfire pit are also still available. The Gerrishs are pleased with the level of business and are already considering putting up more cabins. "Both of us like to meet people and talk horses, so it has been an easy thing to do," says Mike. The business also works well as a sideline to their careers. Melinda is an artist, specializing in Western art. Mike is in sales. In addition to the horse hotel, they put on horse clinics for kids, including a horse day camp. They also host birthday parties for kids with Mike doing cowboy magic. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Cuttin' Up Stables, Mike and Melinda Gerrish, 9040 W. 450 S., Shirley, Ind. 47384 (ph 765 737-1045; mgerrish @egix.net; www.cuttinupstables.com). People hauling horses across Indiana on I-70 can find a great place to stay for both themselves and their animals. Mike and Melinda Gerrish run a "horse hotel" that caters to horse lovers. They'll feed your horses and even clean out trailers, but owners have to fend for themselves. "When we bought this place, I said it would be a great place for an overnight stop for people with horses," says Mike. "Melinda took the idea and ran with it. We had traveled across country with a horse so we knew how hard it is to find good accommodations." At first, all they offered was stalls for the horses. People could hook campers up to electricity or pitch a tent. The Gerrishs also worked out a reduced rate at a local Best Western motel. Last year that changed. "People wanted a place other than trailers to stay close to their horses," says Melinda. "We started with a bunkhouse in the barn, and last October we put up a log cabin." The cabin has a queen size bed, a set of bunk beds and a sleeper sofa. It's air conditioned, heated and offers a TV, coffee maker and refrigerator. Otherwise, it is rustic with a portable toilet behind the cabin and bottled water on the inside. Shower facilities are down the road at a local truck stop. Horses must have health papers in order, including Coggins results. Buckets ge

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