Find your niche in the horse business.
If you love working with horses, it is only natural to want to make them your vocation instead of just your hobby. The horse industry has many outlets for professional equestrians, including horse show judges, horse trainers, riding instructors, boarding stable owners and farm managers. Succeeding in the horse industry means finding your niche, and treating the business with the seriousness it deserves.
Instructions
1. Make a list of your qualifications and experience within the horse industry. Focusing your business on your areas of strength can increase your odds of success. For instance, if you are a well-known competitor and you have trained your own horses, you might be able to attract clients to a horse training business. If you have inside contacts and know where to buy tack at great prices, opening your own tack shop would be a natural move.
2. Assess the suitability of the property you own and whether or not it can be used as a horse facility. You will of course need to check with your municipality to make sure the property is zoned for business use. If not, you will need to request a variance or find another property to buy or lease. Horse trainers often lease facilities from farm owners and ranchers as a way to get the amenities they need to succeed. Boarders often look for amenities like an indoor riding ring, heated wash rack and locked tack room when choosing where to keep their animals. Training clients are likely to seek similar facilities.
3. Network with others in the equine industry and look for ways to partner and use one another's skills and expertise. If you are an experienced equestrian, you no doubt know a number of trainers, riding instructors and farm owners. Seek partnerships with these individuals so you can offer more services to your clients. For instance, if you are a better trainer than you are an instructor, you could partner with a riding instructor you trust and offer riding lessons to clients as well as horse training.
4. Create contracts that clearly state your rights and responsibilities and the limits of your liability. Contracts are an absolute must in the equine industry, since horseback riding is considered a dangerous sport. You can find sample boarding, hauling and training contracts on the Internet, but always have those contracts reviewed by an attorney and amended to suit your needs. When seeking an attorney, it is a good idea to look for one with experience in the equine world, since the liability issues of equine facilities are somewhat unique.
5. Contact an insurance agent who specializes in equine facilities. The insurance needs of a boarding stable, riding academy or training facility are extensive, and you will need to make sure your business is set up properly to limit your personal liability and protect yourself and your family.
6. Seek recommendations from current clients as a way to gain new clients. Much of the horse business works by word of mouth, and the horse industry can be a very small one. Building a reputation for honesty, integrity and quality work is the best way to grow your business. Word gets around fast when there is a problem, so deal honestly with all your clients and offer to work out any problems.
7. Advertise your business in equine publications in your area. Look for these publications at horse shows, tack auctions and other areas where equestrians congregate, then contact the publication owner for rates and information on advertising. Create an attractive and eye-catching ad, and add extras like a free introductory lesson or rider evaluation. If the publication sponsors an annual stable tour, try to get added to that tour. Stable tours can be an excellent way for a new facility to start building its reputation.
Tags: horse industry, your business, boarding stable, equine facilities, equine industry