Those with Equine Small Businesses/Self employed

[Dizzco]

Just considering some options at the moment and I don't post much on here but there appears to be a larger audience in these parts of HHO Basically, there is an opportunity that may be opening in work (currently going through the sign-off procedures) and Im being requested to fill the position as I already cover a large chunk of the workload anyway. Its likely to be a part-time position which has led me to consider some things that I've always wanted to consider as a reality but never really had the chance to if that makes sense!

I'd always worked with horses most of my working life up until real life hit and I needed to get a better paid job to support my horses as well as general living. I have successfully done this but have gone back to running livery/schooling yards in between jobs etc and have always had happy clients Even now, working full time, I am always being asked to 'help' and regularly school, lunge, clip, trim, assist with problem horses etc. etc. as well as being asked to help out on the ground (i.e teaching!) but due to lack of time I do tend to have to turn people away

If this other opportunity at work becomes reality I am thinking that it would give me the opportunity to actually set up an 'equestrian services' type business on a mainly freelance basis alongside my regular job. Im not sure how easy this would be to do and what I really need to think about so am looking for some constructive and useful pointers from anyone who can help

One of the biggest questions I have is funding for training! I know that a lot of small businesses get funding to gain additional qualifications that will enhance their business (my friend has done it for her consultancy business) and was wondering if there are places that do this for Equine businesses? I'm thinking in order to get my teaching qualifications through BHS as this would be better for me all round if wanting to 'offically' teach. I'm also studying for my EBW qualification but lack of time is meaning this is going slow but would be something I want to keep pushing for and eventually do full time.

Any ideas welcome/appreciated!

 

[The Boy]

Hi Dizzco
Can't help on your training funding question but having owned a small equestrian business for 3 years in a terrible economic climate I have to say that marketing skills are a key factor in getting new business and keeping it.
You've got a head start as it sounds like you already have a client base, just not enough time to meet demand, which would change if you get the new part-time role sorted out.
If you can sort out a website (however basic) to help people find you, you still need lots of networking person to person to keep things going along - I've found that horsey people still operate on a largely word-of-mouth basis so its all about contacts and a lot of patience!
Start costing up things like business cards and advertising, although a lot of the latter can be done for free if you advertise proactively in local saddlers, feed merchants, vets etc.
Hope this helps

 

[pickwickayr]

I work part time and also have an equine services business.mainly doing holiday cover looking after their horses when people r away, or turning out and mucking out in the morning when owners r at work. The problem is that everyone wants their horses out at 8am and in before its dark at 4pm so there is a limit to how much u can take on in one day. I also teach and school as have my BHSAI. I have found business through linked in and Facebook x