Douglas Emerson Profitable Horseman
Profitable Horseman Newsletter
 
May 16, 2008 
In This Issue
Structure Your Horse Business Like A Framing Carpenter
Others Have Said
Back At The Barn
Structure Your Horse Business Like A Framing Carpenter
framerWhile driving by a construction site the other day, I noticed a framing crew hard at work creating the skeleton of a new house. 
 
 
 
 
Once a foundation is built, the framing process takes just a few days to shape the new house.  The owner sees dramatic results in a short period of time.  However, when the framing is completed the detailed finishing process seems to move slower than a wall clock in an elementary school.

 

The trades that follow framing like drywall, trimming and cabinet installation, move slowly with results taking much more time to appear.   When the framing contractor has done a sub standard job, time almost stops.  Sloppy work like walls out of plumb, floors that aren't level and kitchen soffits that are undersized, lead to constant frustration and "fix it" techniques by all of the trades finishing the house.  The lack of a good framework creates a lifetime of patch jobs, jury rigging and tolerations.

                                                                                                          

Patch jobs, jury rigging and tolerations -sounds like the way some businesseses operate, doesn't it?

 

No doubt your business's foundation, your core values, are sound.  But, if you are struggling with parts of your business, could it be a result of your framing job?

 

I know your business isn't 2x4's, plywood and trusses, but it will serve you best if it is framed with:

 

  • A three year vision and one year goals
  • A financial plan
  • Adequate time dedicated to planning and review each week
  • Leadership by you as owner
  • Customer service for your students, clients and their horses
  • Your sales program
  • Your methodical marketing program
  • A balanced life that includes rest and play for you

 

If you feel like things are shaky, take a look at the framework you've created and do something about it instead of attempting to prop it, cover it over or accept less than you should from it.

 

When a skilled and experienced framer is made aware of a mistake like a window opening framed in the wrong wall, a warped floor joist or a door jamb out of plumb, he simply fixes it.  He understands his business is providing a sound framework for everything that follows.

 

Level with yourself-what are you tolerating in your business framework that is the cause of squeaks, groans and pops?

 

 

 

Others Have Said 
"Work while you have the light. You are responsible for the talent that has been entrusted to you."  --  Henri-Frederic Amiel 
 
 
"
If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them."  --  Henry David Thoreau 
 
 
 "
Criticism comes easier than craftsmanship."  --  Zeuxis 
 

Back At The Barn

horses at fence 

Betsey and the girls were away for a few days last week at the St. Clements Saratoga Horse Show in Saratoga, NY for their first show of the season.

Which means I had barn duty by default. (By default of me not going with them)
 
I don't mind being the sole care provider to the 6 horses left at home since things are much quieter with the girls away.
 
However, there is nothing quiet about our indoor arena this spring since it has been converted to a bird nursery.  The trusses have several nests filled with peeping, chirping wannabe fledglings; nothing new about birds in residence in indoor arenas.
 
One afternoon, I was longeing a 17 hand horse with intense bird phobia.  His attention was greatly distracted by the looming threat overhead of six ounce birds attacking his 1200 lbs. body.  Constantly looking up, white eyed and tense, he was paying no attention to me as he kept his watchful eye on the winged invaders.
 
As it was a cool day, I'd shut the arena doors and by doing so, had innocently stopped all inbound and outbound flights from the nests. 
 
Apparently, the arena birds aren't deterred by a closed door policy.  I watched amazed as birds flew from the nests to the base of the arena door and walked under the door and out to fly another food finding mission.  The return with food for young was in the reverse order.
 
As one robin walked in from under the door, I was given the icy cold stare of a temporarily grounded and indignant bird as I laughed at its predicament. 
 
I suppose the robin thought my predicament of calming a bird terrorized horse at the end of my longe line was equally funny.
 
 
Need A Speaker About The Horse Business? 
 
audience
 
 
Call or e-mail me about possibilities for your event.
 
 
Call me (716) 434-5371.
Hay, fuel, bedding costs are up, profits are down? I work with professional horsemen struggling with the business half of the horse business.
 
Contact me to discuss your situation and the possibilities.
 
Until next week,
 
Doug

Doug Emerson
Profitable Horseman Deewochagall
 
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