http://www.equestrianprofessional.com Equestrian Professional.com - The Horse Business Site en-us webmaster@equestrianprofessional.com (Equestrian Professional) http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1254.cfm With Smart Social Media for Horse Professionals taking place tonight, the office is buzzing with activity. We have so many exciting things to share with you! First We'll catch you up to date with the four biggies demographics i.e. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube as they relate to horse industry businesses. We'll also discuss a couple newcomers i.e. Google+ and Pinterest. Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1250.cfm A stem cell can be defined as a master cell that is capable of reproducing itself and that has the potential to become one of the body's more specific or differentiated cells, of which there are hundreds. Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1249.cfm Typically, at least in the United States, horse shows are very exhibitor focused. However, there are many benefits to attracting an audience to horse shows. For one, creating an environment that welcomes the public can help bring newcomers into the sport. Additionally, having spectators at a show also increases sponsors' perceived value of the event, which can mean lower entry fees and higher payout for competitors. Here are 10 reasons horse show managers, trainers and instructors should embrace audiences: 1. The horse show audience is a source of new customers, sponsors and advertisers for your business as well as your breed or division organization. Look at any professional sports organization in your area and see that they have a full-time position for developing their audience. The audience (or fan base) is their lifeblood. Even though the revenue from admission provides less income than advertising and sponsorship, the Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1244.cfm hold_ tease c Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/members/1235.cfm If your horse business is built around your skill and success as a rider, don't miss this class. Professional riders' businesses have special marketing needs. This class will take you through the steps and marketing strategies that help riders build successful businesses that support them in achieving their equestrian goals Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1243.cfm In the world of marketing, there are two closely related strategies that fall under the category of PR. The first is public relations. The second is media relations, and while the two tend to go hand in glove, we'll start with the top 10 benefits for horse professionals of building good relationships with the media. The right kind of media attention will help promote you, your business and the equestrian community as a whole because it can: Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1242.cfm On Parklane Hawk, William Fox-Pitt of Great Britain (45.3 penalties) won the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Bridgestone, for the second time in three years. His prizes include the signature Rolex watch and $80,000 in prize money. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1238.cfm When disasters strike, having a plan and being prepared could mean the difference between life and death for both horses and humans. In a recent EquestrianProfessional.com webinar on disaster preparedness, Dr. Roberta Dwyer, a professor at the University of Kentucky's Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center and editor of Equine Disease Quarterly, offered advice on what you can do to protect yourself and business in the event of a disaster. Here are some of her top tips for horse professionals: Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1251.cfm So here we are in the middle of April. Where did the time go? This means that we have finished the first quarter of the year or 25% of the time we have. So let's do a quick check of how our business is doing using that 25% figure as a guide. Begin by looking at your Profit & Loss Statement from the period of January 1 to March 31, 2012. Review your income and expenses for that period. On the most basic level, you can see whether or not you have generated a profit for the first quarter. If you generated a loss, that doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad thing IF you know why. For example, if you are having a Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1231.cfm In 2009, Custom Crome joined the short list of National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Two Million Dollar Sires. Now, Steve Simon's stallion has become the eighth NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1223.cfm Social media can be a great tool to market your business and communicate with other horse professionals. It can also be a huge waste of time if you let it. So how do you make the most of every minute online? Here are five tips to keep avoid the social media time suck: Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1228.cfm Arecent eBay auction of a halter worn by 2010 Horse of the Year and legendary race mare Zenyatta brought a final bid of $6,712.50 in a fundraising effort for the Bluegrass Chapter of the American Red Cross. Zenyatta, along with owners Jerry and Ann Moss, and Rood & Riddle veterinarian Dr. Debbie Spike-Pierce, presented the check from the sale of her halter to the Red Cross at Lane's End Farm on Monday. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1225.cfm With USA Tax due dates swift approaching, we thought you might enjoy a tax tip packed excerpt (say that three times fast) from Equestrian Professional's Horse Business Hotline. Last Monday, equine tax expert, Brian Hurley of Hurley and Hurley Inc had three hot tips to share Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1227.cfm Fires, Floods, Earthqakes, Hurricanes and Tornadoes can have devistating affects on communities. Emergency personnel can be overwhelmed saving human lives but what about your horses? Having a plan can make a difference. Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1221.cfm Fires, Floods, Earthqakes, Hurricanes and Tornadoes can have devistating affects on communities. Emergency personnel can be overwhelmed saving human lives but what about your horses? Having a plan can make a difference. Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1176.cfm When it comes to the horse business, some things are just better explained in person! Which is why.... Our members have access to The Horse Business Hotline™! A quarterly live Q&A where you can get immediate answers to your horse business and marketing questions. This service is free to all active members! All you have to do is call in Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1213.cfm Let's face it -- paying expenses related to any equine endeavor comes from the category of disposable income for payment by your customers. Customers are going to pay their mortgage or electric bill first no matter what you say or do. So how do you get them to put your invoice on top of the stack of bills after the essentials are paid? I have heard every excuse in the book as to why a customer couldn't pay on time. My favorite? "I can't Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/members/1216.cfm Studies show that 78% of people find local businesses by searching online. Factor in the explosive growth of social media and the word of mouth nature of the horse business, and it's clear that internet marketing cannot be left out of the horse business marketing mix. This webinar will discuss key aspects of a successful internet marketing strategy for horse professionals. It will also address some of the new opportunities that the Internet presents for horse professionals to reach a much larger audience and, in some cases, to create additional income streams. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1220.cfm Social Media is the most powerful marketing and relationship tool the equine industry has ever had available to attract, educate and inspire customers and to bring "newbies" into the equestrian community. Here are two very short videos (about one minute) that share some poignant examples of the effecct of Social Media on both horse professionals' businessess and equine industry businesses. Social Media Marketing is an education based tool. It doesn't cost money but it does take time. The problem is for horse professionals, time is typically your most limited resource. The best way to improve your results is Sun, 18 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1204.cfm Just outside the historic town limits of Livermore, California and nestled within the surrounding wine country, is a bridle path along the vineyards that leads to the Greenville Equestrian Center, home of Gina Duran of Topline Dressage Training. So how did this USDF gold, silver, and bronze medalist and certified USDF dressage instructor make it to this point in her career? Sun, 18 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1180.cfm Studies show that 78% of people find local businesses by searching online. Factor in the explosive growth of social media and the word of mouth nature of the horse business, and it's clear that internet marketing cannot be left out of the horse business marketing mix. We hope you enjoy this free excerpt. Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1212.cfm It was breaking my heart, but I knew I needed to be strong for her. As we waited between planes, we talked about the past and all the tough times we'd survived. Remembering those victories helped us believe that we were both strong enough to handle this too. Why does this story belong on an Equestrian Professional tip of the week? Because none of these victories would have happened without horses being in our lives and while I was home picking up the last of my childhood possessions, my mom passed to me a box full of old drawings and letters that proved it. Sun, 11 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1184.cfm "I know I need a website, but I just can't afford one right now." The truth is, you can't afford not to have one. Without a website you are invisible to a large portion of your potential audience who are searching online for exactly what you offer. While it's not uncommon for websites to cost thousands of dollars, that doesn't mean they have to. You're about to learn how you can create a professional looking website for $100 or less. And you can do it in a few hours without having to write a line of code or ask your neighbor's kid for help. Does this sound too good to be true? Read on. Sun, 04 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1210.cfm Last year, 1,709 tornadoes touched down in the United States, 400 more than average. It's predicted that 2012 will be another above average year. Feb. 29, 2012 the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Bruce Nelson announced that equine operations that breed, raise and sell certain types of horses are now eligible for loan assistance under FSA's emergency loan program. Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/members/1202.cfm Horse professionals' businesses are incredibly diverse. Not only are there a wide array of breeds and disciplines but the very structure of each business can differ greatly depending on the horse professional's area of expertise and target market. For example, a professional rider's business model differs greatly from a breeding farm's business model. Similarly, a riding school whose target market is new riders will need a very different marketing plan than a show barn that caters to experienced riders. Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1203.cfm Many times, the spotlight shines on the trainers and riders as they perform in the show ring in equestrian sports. And sometimes, the person that supports those in the limelight doesn't get the recognition they should for their role in helping in that journey. This is not the case for Teresa Beers of Peeper Ranch, which is the largest equestrian facility in the Kansas City area. Teresa may not be the one in the show ring, but her role is vital in this Saddle Seat riding facility. Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1193.cfm Over the years, I've learned many marketing philosophies, gained a lot of experience and created my own blended approach to horse business marketing. However, I find that at my core is a thought process that I learned about 10 years ago from Jay Conrad Levinson, during a Guerrilla Marketing Coach Certification Course. It is called, The 7 Sentence Marketing Plan. Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/members/1200.cfm The House and Senate approved Friday to continue the payroll tax cut of 2% for the employee portion of FICA. What does this mean if you create payroll checks and how long is the extension for? Sat, 18 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/members/1199.cfm Do you know what version of Quickbooks you use? If you're not sure, open your file and look at the very top of your screen. In a grey line will be your version of QuickBooks. If your version is 2009 or before, you should know that Technical Support will end as of May 12, 2012. What does this mean to your files? Sat, 18 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1187.cfm At his first horse show, he won so many classes that he was circuit champion for the entire series. It was an amazing achievement for any student, particularly for a rider who started riding after age 40. As his coach, I thought we were off to a great start and mentally patted myself on the back for doing such a good job. But the next year, my straight A student would prove to be the most difficult teaching challenge I ever had. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1179.cfm hold_ tease c Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1178.cfm Wellington, FL -- January 31, 2012 -- Following the overwhelmingly positive response to our 2010 Top 25 report, NARG's host of volunteers once again invested hundreds of hours to numerically evaluate 50 of the top horse shows in North America. The 2011 results are an interesting mix of events -- including a couple of Canadian champions, a promising new beginning for The National Horse Show, several new discoveries and two most improved shows. Canada claimed the top two spots this year. The highest marks once again go to Spruce Meadows, a venue that continues to exemplify our aspirations for great sport in North America. The number two title this year goes to a Canadian discovery, Thunderbird Show Park. Both venues are tremendous places to compete and show jumpers should seriously consider adding these solid examples of top tournaments to their summer schedule. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/members/237.cfm Want to sell more horses? Improve your customers buying experience. Buyers tend to experience high stress levels when making a buying decision, high stress levels negativley impact decision making. By following these guidlines you can help buyers feel more at ease and help them to Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1177.cfm Equestrian Professional's Monthly Horse Business Seminars help horse professionals grow healthier, more profitable businesses and support them in achieving their equestrian career goals. Horse professionals' businesses are incredibly diverse. Not only are there a wide array of breeds and disciplines but the very structure of each business can differ greatly depending on the horse professional's area of expertise and target market. For example, a professional rider's business model differs greatly from a breeding farm's business model. Similarly, a riding school whose target market is Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1175.cfm Wellington, FL (January 27, 2012) - American Steffen Peters took a step toward defending his 2011 World Dressage Masters Palm Beach title by winning the WDM Palm Beach Nürnberger Grand Prix test with a record-shattering score of 81.383%. Not only is that a personal best result in a CDI Grand Prix for Peters and Akiko Yamazaki's 14 year old KWPN gelding, it is also the highest score ever attained in a WDM Palm Beach Grand Prix. Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1174.cfm Lisa Kursinski has gotten used to the statement, "Oh, you're Anne's sister," over the years, but it's not much of a problem when you have just as much skill, determination, and natural talent with horses as Lisa does. Yes, she is the younger sister of Anne Kursinski, but talent runs deep in this family and Lisa has much to be proud of in her own hunter/jumper equestrian career. Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1172.cfm Wellington, FL - January 21, 2012 - A great crowd came out to watch the $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix, CSI 2* at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). Topping a full field of competitors and winning in front of more than 4,000 spectators was Great Britain's Scott Brash on Stan Brash's Intertoy Z. Olympic gold medalist Eric Lamaze (CAN) was second on Torrey Pines & Ashland Stables' Derly Chin de Muze. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1169.cfm One of the most effective and time saving business practices that horse professionals can implement, is to connect the financial and promotional aspects of running their business with their equestrian activities in such a way that they are able to quickly identify the true impact of their day-to-day activities and decisions. A great way to connect these three areas Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1157.cfm Grab your calendars and get set to map out a successful 2012 plan for your horse business and equestrian career. Equestrian Professional's first webinar of the New Year will take you through a highly effective step-by-step to help you achieve your goals and create a winning marketing plan for 2012! This hands-on webinar will help you: Map out a written marketing plan that supports both your business and equestrian career goals. - You'll get the bulk of your marketing plan done during the webinar! Learn how to use projections to improve your profitability and reduce financial stress. - Even the mathematically challenged will find this do-able! Set measurable business objectives so that you have a clear path to follow. - You'll learn how to deploy time saving systems that keep you on track! Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/members/1163.cfm Are you looking for a user-friendly website for your horse business? Here is a list of four different types of content management sites that could work for you: 1. WordPress - It's not just for blogs. WordPress has so many templates these days that the sky is really the limit. Pros: WordPress is free except for.. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1160.cfm Tips, Tricks and Tools for Success specifically for horse trainers, breeders, riding instructors, professional equestrians and horse care providers. As horse professionals, we're not afforded a lot of time in front of the computer. However, smart phones and mobile devices have given us a way to keep our horse businesses up-to- date and running while on the go. There are thousands of apps available that can help save time and money Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1159.cfm When it comes to investing in your horse business, your time investment is every bit as important as your financial investment. Like financial investments, high value activities can be identified by their ROI (return on investment). This year, consider taking an investment approach to how you manage your time. Here are five activities that typically deliver the highest return on investment for horse professionals. 1. Invest Time in You Your expertise is a valuable business asset. It is the foundation that your horse business is built on. Your level of expertise and ability to produce results largely determine your pay scale, career trajectory and ultimately the longevity of your business. Your health and expertise are of paramount importance to your business. Investing time in activities that build your skills and expertise, as well as taking time to rest and refuel, is a smart bet. 2. Leverage Your Expertise Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/313.cfm The 150 Equestrian Business Marketing Tools and Jewels is free with all Professional Memberships. With over 150 Marketing Tools and Strategies that really work for people in the horse business you are sure to get a lot of use out of this book! PLUS The Ebook comes with an Equestrian Marketing Workbook which includes 2 easy to use Marketing Calendars and a Marketing Checklist. Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1197.cfm For this week's horse business tip, we bring you a short excerpt from our Horse Business Hotline. This tip is specific to US horse professionals but probably has some relevance for our Canadian subscribers, as well as other countries with similar employment laws. However, it is important to know the laws that apply in your country and for US horse business operators to take note of their individual state's employment laws too! Also, this tip is not intended to constitute legal advise. Please consult your own attroney for all matters of law. Next week we promise a tip of international appeal! Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/members/1153.cfm With the turning of the last page on the calendar to a new year comes payroll responsibilities for closing out 2011. Here is a list of dates along with the forms needed to finish out the year. Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1130.cfm Rethinking the Horse Business provides vital information for horse professionals about the state of the economy and the equestrian marketplace. It is the only event in the world geared solely towards helping horse professionals i.e. horse trainers, stable operators, riding instructors, breeders, and professional riders navigate the current economy and identify the best paths for success. This information provides critical insight into where the horse business is headed and empowers horse professionals to identify the most viable business and marketing strategies for the coming year. Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/members/1150.cfm December 31st is just around the corner. Here are a few accounting tips to think about for your equine business. Sat, 17 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1145.cfm Last year, in preparation for Rethinking the Horse Business, we conducted a "State of the Horse Business Survey" to collect information specifically from horse professionals. This year we are repeating a portion of the survey so that we can provide you with both new information and a comparison of the 2010 and the 2011 results. Our 2010 survey uncovered some very interesting data. One significant insight was that the majority of horse professionals reported growth in new customers with an atypical decrease in profits. While some decrease in profits could be attributed to an increase in expenses, it is likely that profits were also influenced by other data gleaned from the survey. Namely, the widespread decrease in horse sales and horse show attendance (traditionally two of the most profitable income streams for a horse professionals). At Rethinking the Horse Business 2012, it will be interesting for listeners to discover if last year's growth in new customers resulted in increased horse sales, show attendance and/or increased profitability in 2011. So far, in the 2011 survey, it looks like Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1143.cfm hold_ tease c Sat, 03 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -08 http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/1137.cfm A few months ago I happened to watch a documentary about a police women who solved a very complicated and drawn out serial murder case. She worked on the case mostly by herself because it was a cold case with few leads. Also, since the victims were mostly prostitutes, there was little pressure from friends, family or the public to solve the case. At one point in the interview, the interviewer commented that many officers wouldn't have viewed this case as important and asked the police woman why she cared. She made a statement that has stuck with me ever since. She said Sun, 27 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -08