ph logo
The Profitable Horseman's Newsletter Helping Horsemen with Solutions, Growth and Change in Business
March 9, 2006

Tired of trying to make money in the horse business the old way? I help professional horsemen find new and better methods to add to the profitability of their businesses.

in this issue
  • Looking for a Speaker about the Business of Being in the Horse Business?
  • Horse Businesses are Built from the Ground Up
  • Others have said
  • Back at the Barn
  • More Profit in Less Time
  • Getting to the Point

  • Horse Businesses are Built from the Ground Up
    stone bridge

    The horse owner said to me, “He’s a handsome horse with a lot of potential, but I’ve got to spend some time working on the basics. He’s got no foundation to build upon.” In the reference to foundation, the owner meant that the horse had missed out on boot camp and basic training and went directly to the front. Basic skills like: stop and stand, move over, respect the handler’s space, lower the head for halter and bridle and lift up your foot for the tired farrier had not been taught to the horse. Many horse trainers advise creating a foundation of ground skills for a horse to make advanced training work much easier. Unfortunately, some trainers can’t wait to go directly to “the fun stuff’ first.

    The basic skills taught to a horse through ground work are important for keeping the frustration out of advanced work. Just like a concrete wall supporting a house, foundation work with a horse creates a solid base for learning.

    Equine businesses need to have a stable foundation, too. The foundation for a profitable horse business includes:

    1. A reliable bookkeeping system that is easy to follow by anyone, preferably using accounting software like QuickBooks or specialized software for the horse business.
    2. A standard price sheet lets your customers know you are consistent with your pricing and have put thought into setting your prices. Clients don’t want to hear prices like “about three hundred bucks” or “ I don’t know, what is it worth to you?”
    3. A plan and vision for the business for the next thirty six months that answers the questions: Where am I going, why am I going there, how am I going to get there and who is going with me?
    4. A support team of part time or full time help that is trained and tuned in on the goals of your business. You can’t do it alone.
    5. A marketing program that will keep your name and product in front of your customers using a methodical approach for frequent contact.
    6. A customer service plan focusing on delivering WOW! customer service
    7. A well balanced life that includes time for rest and play.

    The success of your business is a function of the foundation you have constructed under it. If your business’s foundation is as shaky as a “house of cards” it’s time to work on the basics. An excellent resource for business basics is Michael Gerber’s “ E Myth Mastery”. If you haven’t read it, do it. My copy is filled with pencil notes and ideas in the margins. It is the perfect place to start to review the basics of your business structure.


    Others have said

    "Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility." -- Saint Augustine

    "The loftier the building, the deeper must the foundation be laid." -- Thomas Kempis

    "A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him." -- David Brinkley


    Back at the Barn
    back at barn

    We have had some bad luck with car and truck problems lately. With two out of three vehicles in the family “laid-up” for repair, sharing one vehicle for three drivers was a project last week. Back on the road again with three vehicles this week, life is much easier.

    Because automobiles are close to impossible to repair on your own, I don’t bother even thinking about it anymore. The best method for repair is to know a good mechanic; the cars are just too complicated to keep up with.

    Our faithful Ford tractor, a “2000” (model, not year), is a joy because I still can fix most of the problems myself. Built in simpler times, just like me, I can repair it and get moving quickly.

    I will admit I get new tractor envy from time to time. This usually happens when I’m stuck in the mud up to the axle while longing for four wheel drive.

    Life is short.

    Ride hard.

    Doug


    More Profit in Less Time
    Deewochagall

    I show Professional Horsemen how to use 8 key strategies to build a business that creates more profit in less time. Call me and we can talk about how your business can benefit.

    If you know other horsemen who would enjoy this newsletter, please forward it to them! I am on a quest to tell 1000 people what I do and I need your help.

    The purpose of this publication is to help professional horsemen also be Profitable Horsemen.


    Getting to the Point
    banner

    I write another weekly newsletter about the business of life. Curious? Click here


    Looking for a Speaker about the Business of Being in the Horse Business?
    megaphone man

    Have Voice, Will Travel. I am available to speak to your horsemen's group about making money in the horse business. With a 39 billion dollar industry, there are plenty of opportunities to make a profit.

    I speak to horsemen's groups about ways to improve profitability in the horse business. I'm also available to present a half or full day workshop for groups interested in making money in the horse business.

    Call or email me today about your meeting needs.

    Click on these links for more information

    Past issues of Profitable Horseman newsletter

    My blog. Bet I can make you look! Click here.



    Join our mailing list!
    Back to Articles Page