What is “The Fatal Assumption” anyway?!

We’re talking about your future (or current!) riding/training/teaching business right now. So here it is:

“If you understand the technical work of a business, you understand a business that does the technical work.” – Michael Gerber, The E-Myth

Why after years in the equine industry, a co-professional of mine sold the farm and left the industry…

One of you recently asked me... Who pays for liability insurance if something were to happen during one of your lessons?

It’s critical that you think carefully through the details (relationship and financial) before you do business there.

Your initial arrangements will likely set precedence for possibly years to come!

As pros and future pros, our education never stops. No better time to dive into the horse books than now if you are up north this winter or waiting out the pre-Spring weather.

Many of you have a big heart for making horses financially accessible to all.

But is it possible to have a thriving, profitable business (remember, if it’s profitable, it’s sustainable!) AND provide access to happy horses and lessons at an accessible price in your area?

If you are like most future pros, the health insurance thing is daunting. However, I’m here to assure you that there are good options and this alone should not be a deterrent to going pro. If you are self-employed – which most riding/training pros are – here are some things to think about related to health insurance:

“Mentor: an experienced and trusted adviser"

Having a mentor (or multiple mentors!) is a really important part of preparing to become, and stay, a professional rider/trainer.

Everyone has an opinion for you about WHEN is the right time to break out on your own. A professional riding/training career is similar to other 'trade-like' careers... we apprentice. Working and learning from other top professionals until we can stand on our own two feet and step out on our own. But when do you know if it’s time to step out or wait a bit longer?

“Remember that a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.” -Dale Carnegie

What makes you different from every other young rider (or pro) out there?!

It sounds kind of harsh. But I know you get it. Our social media feeds, emails, and attentions are filled beyond measure… How can you really stand out in a crowd??

Let’s talk about the economics of helping your students buy/lease a horse. The mainstream industry says 10% commission to the trainer. Let’s dig a little deeper.

One of the best tips I have received in my life has been:

“Go out there chasing ‘No’s’”

(What does this even mean?!)

If you’re going to be a successful professional rider/trainer/instructor (or if you already are!), you need to be good with people. So when things go wrong (with enough time, something is bound to go wrong), here’s what you need to do…

Hear me out. I’m going to give you 4 ways you’ve got to take care of yourself in this physically and emotionally demanding sport.

If you get hurt or sick, it directly impacts whether you can do your job.

We know that getting respect as a young pro is a major concern of future professionals. These 5 steps will get you off on the right foot.