How to Market Your Horse Business with Denise Alvarez

If you ever dream of creating more freedom and impact in your horse business, this episode is full of encouragement and practical takeaways.In this episode, you'll meet Nikki Hall of Horse Sense Learning Levels and hear how she turned her hands-on riding curriculum into a successful online business.Nikki shares her journey from running a full-scale riding academy to creating scalable resources that support instructors and students worldwide. We talk about overcoming burnout, listening to your audience, and building a business that supports your life—not the other way around. Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/179  (LINK)

Let's be real—marketing your horse business can feel like a full-time job on top of, well, your actual full-time job running the business. And while AI can't muck stalls or feed horses (yet!), it can help you save time and get more done when it comes to your marketing.But before you start asking ChatGPT to run your business for you, let's get one thing straight: AI is a tool, not a magic wand. You still need to know your audience, your voice, and your message. That's the heart of effective marketing—and no robot can replace your heart.That said, when used wisely, AI can help you amplify your marketing efforts in a way that feels like you've hired a behind-the-scenes assistant who gets your business. In this episode, you'll learn 4 practical ways to make it happen.Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/178

If you're showing up on social media but not seeing results in your horse business, you're not alone—and you're not doing it wrong. You just need a better plan. In this episode, you'll uncover 6 costly mistakes equestrian entrepreneurs often make  — the ones that are keeping your content from turning followers into paying clients. You'll walk away with simple, practical shifts you can make to finally see your marketing efforts start to work for your business—not just your algorithm.Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/177

In this second part of my conversation with Stacy Westfall, we dive deep into the marketing strategies that helped her build a successful equestrian business. If you're an equestrian entrepreneur looking for real, actionable insights to take your marketing game to the next level, this episode is for you.Stacy shares her top marketing tips, including how she approaches social media, podcasting and YouTube in her business — and, how that has evolved through the years.You'll hear why podcasting has been a game-changer for her business, helping her build meaningful connections with her audience, and how you can leverage similar strategies to engage your own audience on a deeper level.Plus, you'll discover simple yet powerful mindset shifts Stacy has made along the way that have set her up for long-term, sustainable success. Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/176

Every equestrian entrepreneur has a story—but not every story includes a stop on The Ellen Show or a viral bridleless ride that opened doors most business owners only dream of.If you're wondering if Stacy is the one who was riding bridleless in her wedding dress at the 2005 Congress Freestyle Reining, you're spot-on. But, that was 20 years ago, and a lot has happened in her life and business since then.In this episode, Stacy Westfall shares how her journey from professional horse trainer to online educator has been a blend of grit, intentional growth, and being willing to pivot when the path changed.With over 30 years in the horse industry, Stacy explains how her business model has evolved—sometimes by design, sometimes by necessity—but always anchored in her love of horses and teaching.In this first part of our conversation, you'll hear how she built her business while raising a family on the road, and how acting quickly and listening closely to her audience helped her turn once-in-a-lifetime moments into long-term success.Whether you're just getting started or navigating your next chapter, Stacy's story will inspire you to think big, act boldly, and build with purpose.Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/175

This week's guests are taking us into the often-overlooked role of grooms, highlighting the importance of education, advocacy, and elevating this essential profession. You'll meet Dinette Neuteboom and Amy McGann as they share how their diverse equestrian backgrounds led them to create HorseGrooms, a platform that empowers and supports professional grooms in the horse industry. Uncover how Dinette and Amy have carved out a unique niche by serving grooms with valuable resources and community, while also managing multiple business ventures of their own. Wherever you serve the equine industry, this founder's story will give you inspiration and ideas for how niching down and serving a specific audience can lead to meaningful impact and sustainable growth for your horse business.Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/174

Some entrepreneurs mistakenly ask the question, “How do I charge what I'm worth?” But, that's the wrong question. Pricing strategy for equestrian entrepreneurs is not about your worth as an individual — it's about the value of your offer. So, what do you do when you know your offer is valuable and you want raise your prices?In this episode, you'll discover what you need to both know and do in your horse business so you can confidently raise your prices. Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/173 

Balance is something we all talk about and often crave, but it's actually not a word I love to use. As equestrian entrepreneurs, there will be times when things are out of balance — it's a given, and that's actually okay. The key is to learn how to blend business building, family life, mastering your art, and caring for yourself in a way that works well for you and your family. While it's unique to each entrepreneur, we can always learn from one another, right? That's why I think you'll love this honest conversation with Nevada Miller with Be A Maker School and Nevada Watt Brand. You'll hear Nevada's journey growing up in a family business, learning the art of silversmithing, and eventually building her own brand and then an online school for other gear makers. All while navigating the challenges of business ownership, family life on a ranch, and motherhood. You'll learn the importance of mastering the basics in business, the role of persistence in honing a craft, and how she now mentors others through her Be A Maker School.Plus, you know I love a good book recommendation — and Nevada came with some of her business faves! Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/172

If you want to sell more, before you pour everything you have into the selling phase, there's one thing you need to do: evaluate your offer. The first step is to make sure your offer (whatever it is you're selling) is actually valuable.In this episode, you'll learn the four drivers of value and how you can use those drivers to take your offer from boring to irresistible. Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/171

If you're an equestrian entrepreneur looking to free up more time for riding, training, or scaling your business, this episode is a must-listen. Nicole Berthelot's firsthand experience helping Amelia Newcomb to manage and expand her dressage training and education business highlights how delegation isn't about losing control—it's about gaining the ability to focus on what truly matters. By implementing the right strategies, you can optimize the power of delegation to avoid burnout, increase your revenue, and create a business that lights you up.Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/170

For many horse business owners, when they think of sales the word pushy or sales comes up. In episode 168 I used the analogy of a used car salesman – it's that ick factor that makes you feel awkward as soon as you start selling. Yet, as an equestrian business, you need to make sales to stay in business. That's true whether you offer an equine product or service. That means that as an equestrian entrepreneur, you need to strengthen your sales-building skills. But, is it possible for sales to feel natural, even if you hate it right now? Yes! In this episode, you'll learn 3 simple ways you can sell more without feeling salesy. Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/169

It might not be your favorite, but to build a sustainable equine business, you need to learn how to sell. Without sales, where's your income? Without income, where's your profit? And, without profit, where's your business? The good news is that sales, when done well, doesn't have to feel salesy. And, most people are better at sales than they realize because they're good at relationship building. That's why I'm thrilled to bring back my guest from Episode 41, Piper Klemm from The Plaid Horse, the premier horse show magazine in the hunter/jumper community. In this conversation with Piper, you'll discover some of the sales-boosting strategies she's learned over the years from publishing a successful magazine plus buying and selling hunter/jumpers.Plus, learn how sales in the equestrian industry are built on trust, relationships, and long-term connections rather than quick transactions. Isn't that a relief?! Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/168

Oftentimes, in the marketing process, horse business owners will jump right to the sale.From in-person conversations at events and expos to social media posts, ads, and more, the big question becomes, why aren't people buying?That's what marketing is, right? Getting sales? Yes, and so much more. The purchase is just one piece of the larger puzzle for your customers. If you want to build a sustainable equine business, you must remember there's an entire journey customers will go through as they work with you. In this episode, you'll learn:

Should YouTube be part of the growth strategy for your horse business? If you're purely looking at numbers, then it's overwhelming yes — with more than 2.5 billion active monthly users, it's the second-largest search platform in the world. But,  where do you start? This podcast episode! With more than 200,000 YouTube subscribers at the time of this episode, Ryan Rose (Ryan Rose Horsemanship) has learned a lot about horse businesses and YouTube through the years. In this episode, Ryan is generously sharing practical and strategic tips to help you grow your horse business using YouTube. From the nuts and bolts of choosing titles to the amount of time you should expect to invest. Because he would love to see more horse businesses flourishing on YouTube, Ryan openly shared all the things you need to know.  Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/166

If you're an equestrian entrepreneur who has given email marketing a try but you just don't feel like you've experienced any measurable wins from it, this episode is one you'll want to save and take notes on.The good news is that if you've been sending emails to your list but aren't getting the ROI you expected, there are some specific things you can do or ask yourself to boost your results. Get your notepads handy because this episode is filled with practical tips and strategies to help you boost your results from email marketing in your equestrian business. Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/165

Every horse business has a story. Every founder has a journey. The journey of Equicizer founder and creator Frankie Lovato has had its ups and downs like any other business venture, but the passion that drives him has never wavered. In this full-length interview, you'll hear how Frankie's passion at a very young age had him training on hay bales and even couches when there was no horse in sight. That same drive is behind the very first version of an Equicizer he created during rehab after an injury so he could more quickly get back in the races as a jockey. Frankie's story is sure to inspire and encourage you, no matter what stage of growth you're at in your own business. Plus, you'll discover the 4 keys to building a thriving equine business with passion. Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/164

“I'm so tired of chasing followers and likes on social media without actually getting new clients.” Said every frustrated equestrian entrepreneur who wants to grow their horse business yet can't seem to get ahead in the marketing game.If you've ever felt stuck in a cycle of posting and emailing that goes nowhere, this episode will give you 3 steps that will help you get a real return from the effort and energy you're putting in to market your horse business.Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/163

How do you get loyal clients and customers for your equine business? How do you build a business that allows you to do what you're great at, even as you grow? You do it with purpose. And, as you'll learn from Traci Brooks' journey to building Balmoral Farm to be the successful equine business it is today, you also do it by taking advantage of the opportunities that come your way. Traci and Carleton Brooks are the husband and wife team behind Balmoral Farm, a premier hunter jumper program. Together, they've trained and produced numerous National Champions and Grand Champions in Professional, Junior, Pony and Amateur hunter & jumper divisions at some of the industry's most prestigious shows such as Devon, The National Horse Show, The Washington International Horse Show, The Pennsylvania National Horse Show, Capital Challenge, USEF Pony Finals and FEI North American Youth Championships.  (Fun Fact: Just as this episode was going to publish, Carleton was recognized as the 2024 Horseperson of the Year by the California Professional Horsemen's Association. That's just a peek at the recognition he's received from the industry.)While these are external accolades, what you'll see if you look online is a client team that loves and appreciates the Brooks and their dedication to putting the horse first. It's not just something they say, it's something they live, and you'll hear that come through as Traci shares. In this candid conversation, you'll learn how to build a staff team you can trust, keys to building an equine business with purpose, and the advice Traci would give to fellow equestrian entrepreneurs.Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/162

How do you achieve sustainable success in your equine business? One of the best ways to do that is to learn from others who have gone before you or are doing what you'd like to do. I'm NOT suggesting you copy or mimic what others are doing. Instead, learn about the strategies and principles that made them successful. How'd they get there? What could you learn about what you do and don't want to do for your own business? That's what this case study format is going to help you do. Ariat International is a global brand. They're one of, if not the, largest equestrian sports brand in the world. But they didn't start out that way. In this case study, you'll learn how Ariat started as an equestrian riding boot company, the central themes that have been key to their success, and then how you can apply that to your own equestrian business. Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/161

Before you set goals for the new year, it's crucial you take the time to review the year that's ending. The most effective year-end reviews are not just a time for looking at the bottom line — i.e. how much profit did you make? Instead, your best year-end review catapults you into the coming year with focus, purpose, and a plan. Grab your notebook and pen because you'll want to take notes so you're ready to have your best-ever (or, first-ever) year-end review for your horse business! Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/160

Trying to fill your books and get people to actually buy? This episode is for you. You'll love this conversation with Megan Harris, Chief Marketing Officer at NF+ (formerly Equestrian Masterclass by Noëlle Floyd). With her background in demand generation for large tech companies, Megan brings a fresh yet strategic perspective to the equine industry. Plus, she's always been a horse girl so she's right at home here. You may not have an international education platform, but you do have an audience of people you're best fit to help. This conversation will give you strategies and practical takeaways so you can build a successful horse business that allows you to keep doing what you love for the long-term. Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/159

Are you getting new leads, clients, and customers for your horse business from your time on social media?If your equestrian social media marketing is falling flat, follow these three steps to start seeing real results.Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/158

Ever feel torn between wanting to share those special holiday moments on your social media & the temptation to leave your phone off and pretend like social media doesn't exist? As we head into this season, the question becomes, how much do you share on social media? Should you still keep your posting cadence and be in your stories and engaging with your people online? Or, should you set your phone down and walk away from it for a bit so you can be present with the people in the room? In this week's episode, you'll get my best tip for being present in the moment while still showing up on social media for your business. Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/157

Afraid of spamming your email list? It's the number one reason I hear horse business owners say they don't send emails. And, it is smart marketing to be aware of your audience's needs and not send too many emails. But, it's not smart marketing to never send an email.  So, as a growth-oriented equestrian entrepreneur, you're going to send emails, right? The question becomes, who are you sending them to? Have you spent time building an email list of qualified leads? If not, it is never too late. And that's what you'll learn to do in this episode! Follow these 3 steps and learn from real-life horse businesses as you build your email list with qualified leads. Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/156

You want to grow your horse business, so that means you should be talking to more people in your marketing, right? Yes, but ... talking to more of the “right” people is the key. If you're here, it's likely because you know your marketing could be more effective. You're either not getting leads or subscribers or clients and customers, or you're getting them but they aren't the people you love working with or are best-suited to help. Therefore, they don't stick around—or they do, but it's not a great experience for either of you. The reality is that you're not for everyone—and, that's okay. This is why your marketing will be most effective when you make the decision to niche down so you can market to your best-fit audience. In this episode, you'll discover why niching down is a non-negotiable for your horse business. Plus, you'll learn 3 benefits of niching down in your equestrian marketing. Show Notes (AKA “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/155

On many levels, competition can be a great thing. It can push us to give our absolute all, think creatively, and not give up. But, sometimes there can be a downside to that competitive nature that's gotten you where you are. I'm talking about relationships with your fellow business owners. If you view everyone as your competition then you're short-changing yourself – you could receive so much and give so much from collaborating. That's why Jamie Samples with Yellow Barn Media is joining me on this episode to share some practical ways she has learned to embrace collaboration over competition in the equine industry. Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/154

As a horse person, you know the importance of foundation when it comes to training your horse. It's the same for your marketing! If you're not starting from a solid foundation, then all of the building blocks you put on top will likely fall flat. If you jump to advertising or creating and selling programs before you get the foundation in place, they're not going to be effective at helping you build a sustainable equine business.And, they certainly won't help you get the right people in the door. That's why in this episode, you'll learn the 4 elements necessary to build a solid foundation for marketing your equine business. Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/153

If you stay in hustle mode 24/7, 365 days a year, you may not completely burn out, but the joy of doing what you love in the equestrian world will likely dissipate over time. Thankfully, there are some mindset shifts you can make and practical things you can do to keep that from happening while growing your horse business.That's why I invited Megan Robinson with The Movement Connection to join me for today's podcast episode, where we're going to have a candid conversation about hustling and resting as any equestrian entrepreneur.Having built her business while also undergoing multiple kidney transplants and personal health challenges, Megan is in a unique position to provide you with some lessons learned about managing hustle and rest as any equestrian entrepreneur.Plus, I'll guide you through two key mindset shifts that will make it possible for you to implement the practical tips Megan provides.Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/152FREE Goal Setting Cheat Sheet → Stormlily.com/goals

Heard about my coaching but still have some questions about it all? This bonus episode is for you. Explore the ins and outs of coaching, who it's for, what really happens on a call, and how my Take the Reins coaching program is different than most business coaches you'll meet in the equine space.Take the Reins 1:1 Coaching Program → Stormlily.com/reinsClarity Coaching Call → Stormlily.com/clarity

Have you been feeling stuck in your horse business but aren't sure what it is that's keeping you there? Marketing is actually not the place I'd coach you to start. Instead, you need to ask yourself this one vital question: Am I an equine business owner or horse hobbyist? And, then evaluate if you're making decisions in alignment with your answer. In this episode, you'll learn the three key areas that set apart equine business owners from horse hobbyists. In other words, these are the areas you absolutely must treat like a business if you're going to build a successful equine business. Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/151  (LINK)Take the Reins 1:1 Coaching Program → Stormlily.com/reinsFREE Goal Setting Cheat Sheet → Stormlily.com/goals

There are different levels of rebranding your equestrian business. Sometimes you're giving it a fresh new look with a new logo, colors, graphics, etc. Sometimes, it's messaging, imagery, product, or service-related. Regardless of how deep the rebranding process is for you, there are some principles of marketing and business that are critical to a successful equine business rebrand.  That's why I'm so grateful for Chris Stein, President of Ely & Walker, home of Western brands such as Ely Cattleman, Cumberland Outfitters and now Cowboygirl with country singer Jenna Paulette.Chris was previously on the podcast for episodes 74 and 75 to dive into the art and practice of selling. At the time, he was the National Sales Manager at Justin Boots. Now, Chris is joining us about two years after becoming the President of Ely & Walker where he's been breathing new life into a century-old Western brand. You may not be heading up a legendary brand, but the principles and insights Chris shares in this interview will help guide you through any rebranding or transition process. You'll get specific steps you can take to honor your current and past clients and customers while moving in a new direction. All so you can do more of what you love in the equine industry! Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/150 Take the Reins 1:1 Coaching → Stormlily.com/reinsFREE Goal Setting Cheat Sheet → Stormlily.com/goals

In the world of marketing your horse business online, sometimes it seems easy to just create a product and sell it. Reality? It doesn't really work like that.For the most part, you can't just show up and start selling an online membership or online course or video library and expect people to buy right out the gate.If you want to build a sustainable business in the equine industry, you must first build a trusted brand.Even if you don't have online offering aspirations, if you want to host clinics and have people come to your facility, or you want to be invited to travel, speak and teach— each of those things requires you to build a trusted brand. So, how do you do that?In this episode, we're diving into the 5 keys to building a trusted brand as an equestrian entrepreneur. Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/149✨ Take the Reins 1:1 Coaching → Stormlily.com/reins 

How do you get your business found online? That's the million-dollar question for many equestrian entrepreneurs. And, the answer is not as simple as you might hope. First, you need to understand that you're asking about search engine optimization. Second, you need to understand SEO is not a one-and-done scenario. It's an ongoing marketing strategy. That's why I'm so excited for today's guest, because as far as I'm concerned and the clients that I know that have used her services before, Krysta Paffrath is an expert when it comes to SEO.Not only that, but she is in the world of horses, so she gets your business. Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/148FREE SEO Basics Checklist for Equine Websites  → Stormlily.com/seobasics 

We talk a lot on this podcast about how to grow your horse business. So what do you do when part of your growth process involves hiring team members?Or, if you're someone who already has team members in place, how do you make sure they are the right people? Can you guarantee they have the same heart for your customers and clients that you have?If you've ever made a hire that didn't work out or walked into an existing business where you had to manage a team, then you know how important it is to cultivate a culture in your business that seeps the values that you stand for in your business.That's why I'm excited for you to meet Kaitlin Christopherson, CEO of Grand Slam Social, recently renamed GSS The Agency, a social digital media consulting agency with a client list that includes the Breeder's Cup and the Del Mar Thoroughbred CupAs you will hear from Kaitlin, she's actually not the owner of the business that she is helping to build. But, as the CEO, she is the person responsible for the team environment and culture that they are building.And, she's filled with practical advice and examples of how you can intentionally build a positive team culture inside your equine business.Whether you have an existing team or you're about to hire your first team member, this is for you.

It's time we address a common question most equestrian entrepreneurs are asking when it comes to marketing.“Is a website necessary if you are active on social? In other words, has social media replaced websites for equine businesses?You won't be surprised to hear my answer is no, websites have not and should be replaced by social media.But, you may be surprised by some of the reasons I stand by that as a marketer.Remember, my heart here at Stormlily Marketing is to help you to build an equestrian business that is sustainable for the long term. And that's truly why I believe that you need a website. Because I want you to think long-term for your horse business.Part of that long-term planning means you need to be profitable, right?I get that a website is an investment for you. Social media is free to get up and running; websites aren't.The reality is, if you forego investing in a website just for money savings, you are actually leaving money on the table for your horse business.Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/146 FREE Website Checklist → Stormlily.com/checklist

Whether you lead a team of 20, 10, or 1, as the horse business owner, you are responsible for creating and navigating the success path for your business. That's why learning to embrace your role as CEO is vital to your success. In this episode, Kelly Giordano with Avenue Equestrian will help you see the importance of being the visionary for your business and give you practical ways you can embrace your role as CEO in your horse business—starting today. Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/145FREE Goal Setting Cheat Sheet → Stormlily.com/goals

Do you have an idea for your horse business but you're not sure if you should press forward because it's a bit outside of your realm? Maybe you've discovered an unmet need and you have the solution but it's not in the wheelhouse most people see you operating in. Joni Gerard, founder of Giddyup Getaway, was much like you. She was having a tough time planning a road trip for her husband and their horses so she created Giddyup Getaway—it's essentially an AirBnB for horse people. Talk about meeting a need! While her business has just launched this year, it's been more than two years and the making.In this candid conversation, you'll hear how Joni went from idea to conception, including the roadblocks and lessons learned along the way.Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/144 FREE Goal Setting Cheat Sheet → Stormlily.com/goals

What comes to mind when you hear equine assisted learning? My guess is you're thinking of therapeutic riding programs or programs that serve a specific population such as veterans or at-risk youth.But, did you know equine assisted learning can also be a viable business model?Yep, it does not have to be in a non-profit or therapeutic structure for it to be equine assisted learning.Leadership development, team-building experiences, personal development, and even wellness retreats are all different ways you could incorporate equine assisted learning in your horse business.In this interview with Tracey Evans you'll hear how she went from being a corporate executive as Vice President of Marketing for American Express Global Teams to starting her own equine learning program, and then creating an EAL certification training center that helps people turn their passion for horses into a fulfilling career.Perhaps you've been considering adding something similar to your existing business, or you've had an idea in the back of your head for something new. This episode could be just what you needed to get the ball rolling. Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/143 FREE Beginner's Guide to Online Memberships for Horse Businesses  → Stormlily.com/membership

If your social media isn't working for you — AKA helping you to book new clients & customers for your horse business — then, it might be time for you to revisit the social piece of your marketing strategy.✳️ Why you shouldn't skip the social part of social media ✳️ How to build relationships on social media when posting isn't working for you✳️ What you should be doing after you post (it only takes 10 minutes)It's all in this week's How to Market Your Horse Business podcast episode. Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/142  (LINK)

We live in a world that's the most digitally connected ever—yet we're also the least physically connected we've ever been as a society. And here's the thing: You need connections as a horse business owner! PSA: Your customers are craving connection, too.That's why in this episode, Jodi Lynch Findley with The Thriving Equine Professional is sharing four powerful ways equestrian entrepreneurs can build connections in a disconnected world.   Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/141 FREE The Beginner's Guide to Email Marketing for Horse Businesses  → Stormlily.com/emailguide

Is it possible to find team members who care about your brand as much as you? How do you manage inventory when trends come and go? Can you still thrive as a local business amidst the rise of big box stores?We're diving into all of that and more in this conversation with veteran business owner Amy Bond with The Painted Cowgirl in Greenwich, Ohio. What started as a tack shop 17 years ago, Amy has built into a thriving Western apparel store with FOUR storefronts in one town. And people drive miles and miles just to come to their shop. Not to mention the engaged online community they've built as well. How does she do it? Amy's the first to say she didn't do it all by herself. You'll hear it all in this honest and authentic episode. P.S. If you're not a brick-and-mortar shop, there is still PLENTY you can learn from Amy's entrepreneurial experience and wisdom. Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/140FREE Goal Setting Cheat Sheet → Stormlily.com/goals 

Show me an equestrian entrepreneur and I'll show you someone who is dedicated, getting their hands dirty daily, and always looking for ways to improve and grow, both personally and professionally. The only downside to all that? We're not often known for making self-care a priority in our list of to-dos and must-dos for the day. Taking care of your horse? Absolutely. Taking care of yourself? Not so much. But, if you don't take care of yourself, your chances of building a business that you enjoy AND will be sustainable for the long term go down quite a bit.That's why Ifa Simmonds with Ifa Fit is breaking down some practical ways you can incorporate self-care into your routine—even if you start with just 5 minutes a day.Many of you may already be familiar with Ifa Simmonds, perhaps at one of his rider fitness sessions at Equine Affaire, through his online programs, or even an equestrian publication. He's passionate about rider fitness, but as you'll hear, he's also a fellow entrepreneur in the equestrian space. AND, he's passionate about self-care. Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/139  FREE Goal Setting Cheat Sheet → Stormlily.com/goals 

Working with influencers could be the key to reaching a new audience with your equestrian brand. But, it's so much more than just putting free products in the mail to the influencer with the biggest following and crossing your fingers for a return. In this episode, Megan Sullivan with Elevated Equestrian and The Social Equestrian shares what you need to know and do to get the best ROI when it comes to influencer marketing.(Pssst … If you're an influencer, check out Episode #137 for your best tips and strategies to make the most of your brand partnerships.)Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/138 The Social Equestrian is the place for brands and influencers to connect. Join The Social Equestrian  → Stormlily.com/influencer FREE Guide to Optimize Your Social Media Bio → Stormlily.com/bio

If you have an audience that trusts you, you could be an influencer in the horse world. Yep, it can be that simple!You don't have to have a million followers online in order to work with brands. But, there are some things you do need to know and do well to dive into the world of influencer marketing successfully. In this episode, Megan Sullivan with Elevated Equestrian and The Social Equestrian is sharing what you need to know as an influencer in the equestrian world. And don't worry, brands. Episode #138 will be specifically for you so you can make the most of influencer marketing in your horse business.Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/137The Social Equestrian is the place for brands and influencers to connect. Join The Social Equestrian  → Stormlily.com/influencer

How are you planning for the future of your horse business? When it comes to long-term sustainability, investing your time, energy, and resources, this one marketing medium will be key to making your future plans happen.Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/136 FREE Beginner's Guide to Email Marketing for Horse Businesses → Stormlily.com/emailguide

Do you have a hard time taking “messy action” when it comes to your horse business? Does feeling like everything has to be “just right” before you'll go live on social or send an email to your list keep you from actually ever doing it? In this episode, we're diving into the mindset of equestrian entrepreneurs and pulling back the curtain on what's really keeping you from taking action on your big ideas and dreams.And, of course, I'll give you some practical ways you can start taking action today. Let's go! Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/135 FREE Beginner's Guide to Email Marketing for Horse Businesses → Stormlily.com/emailguideSaddle Up for Summer Live Workshop: Plan 90 Days of Social Media Content in 90 Minutes Register today and join me LIVE June 13, 2024 at 11 AM Central Time!

How do you go from, “I should start that business” to actually doing it? What do you do on the days you feel alone chasing your big dreams as an equestrian entrepreneur? We're diving into all that and more in this candid conversation with India Wilkinson, founder of Mane Street Market. As a frustrated horse shopper, India told herself, “There's got to be a better way.” And then, she got started creating the online buy-sell marketplace she wished existed. You'll hear India share her story of building a horse business from scratch, including the practical ways she's been marketing it, even starting from an audience of zero.  Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/134 FREE Beginner's Guide to Email Marketing for Horse Businesses → Stormlily.com/emailguide 

Tradeshow, clinics, breed demonstrations, adoption fair, consignment, carriage rides—Equine Affaire in Columbus, Ohio has it all!And, it's packed pull of entrepreneurs making a loving doing what they love in the horse world. That's why when I visited Equine Affaire for the first time this year, I made sure to take notes so I could share marketing and lessons learned with you here on the podcast. If you haven't yet heard of it, Equine Affaire has a spring event in Columbus—hailed as the largest horse-related trade show in North America—and a fall event in West Springfield, Massachusetts. If you have a horse business selling products, it's definitely worth checking out. And if you are looking to build the education arm of your business, they're always accepting presenter applications. Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/133FREE Goal Setting Cheat Sheet → Stormlily.com/goals

Have you been treating your website like a basic necessity or an info-holding place? Or, do you get that your website could be the team member with the most ROI?If you're not getting leads from your website, you should be. But, how? That's what we'll dive into in this episode as you learn …

In this episode, you'll hear why the way I started out marketing my own business using social media was not working for me. (AKA I was not booking clients by way of social media.) I'm getting honest about two pitfalls I experienced when I first started out, how I adjusted my mindset and strategy to fix them, and why it's been a game changer. And, of course, you'll get plenty of practical and actionable help to keep you from falling prey to those same pitfalls in your own horse business. Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/131FREE Marketing Resources for Equestrian Entrepreneurs

One question is on my mind everywhere I go: How does this apply to equestrian entrepreneurs? That's why as I was taking notes on how to improve my jumping while auditing my first jumping clinic, I was also taking notes on how you could apply the same principles to your business. Whether you jump, rein, trail ride, or race, this episode is for you because it has nothing to do with your discipline—it's all about your horse business. You'll discover 5 marketing takeaways I learned at a jumping clinic that will help you build an equestrian business you love. Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/130FREE Marketing Resources for Equestrian Entrepreneurs