Equestrian Professional.com - The Horse Business Site

Selection Procedures for the 2012 Olympic Games Now Available

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -08

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Is Your Equestrian Business Getting Optimal Results from Social Media?

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -08

Are you hurting your equestrian industry business? If you are not using social media and using it well, the answer is probably - YES. Every day more and more equestrian industry businesses are using social media to communicate with current and potential customers. The equestrian marketplace is getting noisier and more competitive by the minute. In the meantime, there are a limited number of social media relationships that customers can realistically maintain.

THE NARG TOP 25 of 2011 -- SEE WHO'S BEST IN SHOW Year Two: The NARG Top 25 Shows in North America

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -08

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.

15 Ways to Improve Your Customers' Horse Buying Experience

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -08

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

Equestrian Professional's 2012 Horse Business Seminar Schedule

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08

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

Equestrian Professional's Horse Business Hotline

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08

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

Steffen Peters Sets New Grand Prix Record at World Dressage Masters Palm Beach

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08

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.

Equestrian Professional Member Spotlight - Lisa Kursinski

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08

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.

Scott Brash and Intertoy Z Top $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix, CSI 2*

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08

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.

LIVE WEBINAR: Equestrian Goal Setting Strategies for Horse Professionals

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08

For most professionals winning is about more than the ribbons. It's about receiving recognition for achieveing goals. Whether it's at home or in the showring setting and acheiving goals is an essential part of being a good rider, trainer and teacher.

Horse Business Tip: How to Get 3 Things Done at Once

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08

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

Replay Posted! A Plan to Succeed - Scheduling Horse Business and Marketing Success In 2012

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08

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!

User-Friendly Websites for Horse Business Owners - CMS is the Way to Go

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08

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..

Equestrian Professional's Mobile Guide

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08

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

Time Flies! Top 5 Time Managment Tactics for Professional Equestrians

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08

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

The 150 Equestrian Business Marketing Tools and Jewels

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08

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.

USA Equine Business Close-Out for 2011 Payroll

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -08

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.

Rethinking the Horse Business 2012 How the Economy, the Horse Industry and the Internet Are Affecti

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -08

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.

Year-end Financial Tips for the Horse Professional

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -08

December 31st is just around the corner. Here are a few accounting tips to think about for your equine business.

Equestrian Professional's State of the Horse Business Survey 2011 Report - PRELIMINARY RESULTS

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -08

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

Show Jumping News - Gucci Masters - The Style and Competition Challenge for AMADE

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -08

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Which Horse Professionals Are Important?

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -08

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

Rethinking the Horse Business 2012 The Must Attend Event of the Year for Professional Equestrians a

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -08

Join us on December19th 2011 for the most powerful horse business event of the year. Rethinking the Horse Business 2012 examines how the economy, the horse industry, and the Internet are affecting horse business owners. It provides an eye-opening look at the future of the horse business. Key economic indicators within the horse industry are shared at the seminar. As well as reports on emerging international markets, innovative marketing strategies and introductions to several new horse business models. Attendees will learn which areas of the equestrian community are growing and gain valuable insights into new market trends and opportunities within the equestrian niche. The seminar features reports and opinions from a wide variety of equestrian associations, equine industry leaders and

The Horse Business Hotline - 11-28-11

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -08

Hello Members, November's Horse Business Hotline! Had a great panel of experts. Attorney at Law Lisa Lerch of Legal Equestrian, discussed how the Consumer Legal Remedies Act relates to horse sales. Chad Mendell provided some excellent tips on social media time management. Horse business accountant Pam Saul shared important information for USA horse business owners about closing out 2011 and how to take advantage of the Special Accounting Rule which enables Nov and Dec non-cash employee fringe benefits to be rolled over into 2012 in some cases.

Equestrian Professional Member Spotlight - Denise Finch of Hunter's Edge Farm

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -08

When you mention Las Vegas to most people, their first thought turns to casinos. But there is a decidedly equestrian flair in the southwest area off the 215 Freeway with Denise Finch and Hunter's Edge Farm.

MEMBERS REPLAYS: A Look At Recent Equine Lawsuits and How They Affect Horse Professionals PLUS! Hors

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -08

There have been several recent equine cases whose rulings are of interest (and extreme importance) to horse professionals. During this webinar, equine law expert Julie I. Fershtman will discuss the key issues and the legal precedents these cases are likely to set. The information shared at this free webinar will be of VITAL importance to horse professionals. In order to

IRS Offers Employers Program for Misclassified Workers - Pros and Cons for Horse Business Owners

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -08

The IRS is concentrating on the misclassification of employees as independent contractors (ICs). The government estimates that this practice costs $2.72 billion in unpaid payroll taxes, plus state and unemployment insurance taxes.

Are You Marketing Your Equestrian Business to the Conscious Consumer and Why You Should Be

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -08

Good marketing is an essential part of running any successful business. In today's information age, customers can more quickly and easily learn about your business than ever before. But did you know that they are interested in more than just the product or service you are selling? They are also looking to learn more about the social and environmental aspects of your business.

Understanding Accounting Terms for the Horse Professional

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -08

On your list of things to do today, you have 4 lessons scheduled, 6 training rides, a feed order to make, and a lame horse to check. How about adding in a financial analysis of your business to that list? Most people run screaming from the room at the mention of anything to do with accounting. But to run a business, especially a horse business, owners need to have a basic understanding of their finances. In order to help you with your financial education, EquestrianProfessional.com is beginning a series that will explain accounting terms specifically geared to the horse industry. Definitions and examples will be horse related in order to help you understand more clearly how these terms impact your business.

It's TONIGHT! "How Good Riders Get Good - A Lifetime of Insights with Denny Emerson" Free

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -08

USEA Hall of Fame Inductee and author of "How Good Riders Get Good," Denny Emerson is a wealth of knowledge and one of the most respected horseman, (across all disciplines) in the equestrian sports community. He will discuss the cross roads and critical decisions that riders must make in their careers in order to truly become "good."&

Equestrian Professional Member Spotlight - Dawn Jones-Low of Faerie Court Farm

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -08

Dawn Jones-Low established Faerie Court Farm in 2001 for the purpose of breeding Arabian sport horses for adult and youth riders seeking athletic equine partners with pleasant temperaments in a handy size. A chance encounter with an Arabian mare in the late 1990's led Dawn to discover the old fashioned Arabian that was bred for hardiness and athleticism as well as for beauty.

Career Defining Choices for Professional Equestrians

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -08

Somewhere between art, science, sport and business lies the career of a professional equestrian. Some professionals build their careers and businesses around their skills as riders and others as teachers. Whichever path is chosen, there are many career defining choices along the way.

Equestrian Professional Member Spotlight - Maat van Uitert of Jotunheimens Staller

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -08

I sat at my kitchen counter recently with FEI dressage competitor Maat van Uitert. A piece of homemade pound cake and a Diet Pepsi got her to sit still long enough for us to chat!

Equestrian Professional Member Spotlight - Helen Goddard of Team Goddard

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -08

How does a child from non-horse parents know that she wants to do nothing else but ride by the time she is 11 years old? You plop her on a Shetland pony behind her sister, wearing her school uniform, and send her bobbing along the small town of Aldbrough on the coast of the North Sea in England. That was the start of a love affair with horses for Helen Goddard of Team Goddard.

Five Good Reasons To Get Complaints - The Benefits of Soliciting Feedback From Your Equestrian Clie

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -08

A key take-a-way from last week's webinar, "Horse Business People Problems and the Policies That Prevent Them," was the importance of getting honest feedback from your clients. When that feedback is positive, it is very gratifying. However, when feedback comes in the form of a complaint, it may not be so easy to take. It's only human nature to equate a complaining customer with an unhappy customer. But is that what complaints really mean? Today, we're going to try to look at complaints from a slightly different angle - the positive side of complaints

Social Media Creates New Opportunities for Riders And the Equestrian Companies That Sponsor Them

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -08

Social Media is often referred to as word of mouth on steroids - but when it comes to the equestrian community, it's a heck of a lot more than that. Social media is changing the playing field for both professional equestrians and the equestrian companies that sponsor them.

Horse Business Customer Satisfaction Surveys - Boarding, Training, Lesson Programs, Horse Shows and

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -08

Feedback is essential to maintaining healthy relationships and a high level of customer satisfaction. Having a system to help you collect that feedback can make all the difference. This set of horse business customer feedback surveys will save you hours of time and provide you with

What Marriage and the Horse Business Have in Common

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -08

"Horse professionals just need to run their businesses more like real business owners." - I've heard this statement (or variations of it) on countless occasions and it irritates the heck out of me every single time. Here's why:

Webinar Replay - Free Excerpt! Horse Business People Problems and the Policies that Prevent Them

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -08

It's no secret that the tough part of the horse business isn't the horses. Equestrian Professional's next horse business webinar will discuss the people side of the horse business. This lively webinar will feature two speakers and two complimentary approaches for building postive customer relationships. First, Tonya Johnston, MA will share steps that horse professionals can take on an interpersonal level to establish and preserve healthy, long term relationships with their customers

Equine Industry Faces Serious Repercussions - Stop the DOL

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -08

Professional equestrians and horse business owners need to be aware of two very important rule changes being discussed and implemented by the Department of Labor. I'm going to cut to the chase and try to explain the first of these issues in a sentence or two. However, I highly recommend that you also read the articles from both the AHC and AQHA for more details.

The EQUUS Foundation Announces 2011 Grant Awards

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -08

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The Horse Business Hotline - 8-29-11 Topics Include H2-B Visas, How to Market a New Horse Business,

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -08

August's Horse Business Hotline! Covered a detailed explaination of Visas used in the horse industry, step by step tips for how to market a new horse business, website review and more

Equestrian Professional Member Spotlight - Linda Wanstreet of Lost World Farms and LWF Sport Horses

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -08

When youngest child, Melissa, graduated from high school, Linda Wanstreet was also at a changing point in her life. She had more time for the things she wanted to do. She was thinking about redecorating their home when her husband said "Why don't you go look for that horse farm you are always talking about?" He didn't have to say that twice!

Register Today! Equestrian Professional's 2011 Horse Business Seminar Schedule August - December

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -08

Equestrian Professional's monthly horse business seminars help horse professionals grow healthier, more profitable businesses and support them in achieving their equestrian career goals. We address the topics and issues that face today's horse business owner. From surviving the current economy to navigating new media, our seminars help horse professionals find relevant answers and time saving solutions.

Kyle is King of the Rockies Grand Prix Results from Canada's Rocky Mountain Classic

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -08

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WEBINAR REPLAY!- Smart Sales Skills For Horse Professionals

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -08

Whether you are actively selling horses or simply want to grow your customer base, understanding the sales process is essential for your success. During this seminar, professional sales coach, Jeff Johnson will explain the key principles behind making "the sale" and share techniques for improving your own sales skills. This webinar "translates" top mainstream sales practices into sensible applications for your horse business.

The Economy and Your Horse Business - What Can You Do?

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -08

With the economic crisis once again rearing its ugly head and forecasters talking about a double dip recession, it's easy to get discouraged. Many of you have already cut back your expenses, diversified your income, and come up with creative ways to keep your horse business afloat during this difficult economic time.

The Care and Feeding of Your Equestrian Web Site - The Top 10 Strategies for Getting Your Horse Biz

Sun, 07 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -08

If you have a website and you are using it to grow your business, then learning about Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is no longer an option. SEO is a critical key factor in driving more traffic to your web site. Without it you are just another blob in cyberspace, waiting to be found.

How to Create Internal Controls for Your Horse Business

Sun, 07 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -08

Internal Controls -- it sounds like something that relates to connecting to your core when you ride or possible a yogurt that aids with regularity. But if a CPA is writing about it, you know that it must have something to do with your business. In a nutshell, internal controls are the policies and procedures that you implement to ensure that you receive all of the money that your customers should pay to your business and only disburse the money that you intend for your business to pay out.

5 Ways to Improve Your Customers' Horse Buying Experience and Make More Sales

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -08

Whether selling horses, lessons, breedings, or boarding - all horse professionals find themselves in a sales position. In fact, it's pretty tough to get ahead in any profession if you don't have good sales skills. While the following tips and examples have to do with selling horses, the principles are universal. Creating a good Buying Experience can make all the difference in successfully selling horses and increasing referrals. The essence of a good buying experience is

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