6 Pieces of Profit Advice for the Equestrian Business Owner
If I Were an Equestrian Entrepreneur Looking to Create Stable Profit and Sustainable Operations, Here’s What I’d Do…
Running an equestrian business isn’t for the faint of heart—it’s a wild ride filled with passion, hard work, and plenty of financial challenges. But it’s also a business, and like any business, it needs to be profitable and sustainable. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to make your current business more profitable, here’s what I’d focus on to create stable profit and long-term sustainability:
1. Get Crystal Clear on My Financials
The first step? A deep dive into the numbers. I’d ensure my bookkeeping is up to date and that I have a clear understanding of my cash flow—what’s coming in, what’s going out, and what’s left over for profit. Whether you’re in the early stages or already running a business, knowing your financial reality is crucial to making informed decisions and avoiding the guesswork. I might even know a horse girl to help if you find yourself needing an extra leg up.
2. Price My Services to Create Profit, Not Just Break Even
In the horse world, it’s easy to underprice your services because you love what you do. But love doesn’t pay the bills. I’d price my services based on the true cost of running my business—not just direct costs like feed or labor, but also overhead expenses, time spent, and a buffer for unexpected costs #becausehorses. Most importantly, I’d ensure my pricing includes a healthy profit margin because, without profit, there’s no room for growth. This is key whether you’re setting your prices for the first time or reassessing them to improve profitability.
CEQO Tip: Stabilize your revenue with streams that have varying profit margins. For example, I’ll work with equestrian facilities to break even in their boarding services and create profit within their lesson and show programs, alongside events and other unique offers to reach their revenue and profit goals.
3. Create Systems to Save Time and Maintain Consistency
I’d invest time in setting up systems for my business operations—whether it’s onboarding clients, managing schedules, or keeping track of expenses. Systems create consistency, reduce stress, and allow me to scale without burning out. Whether it’s automated invoicing, client agreements, or an organized scheduling system, these processes would keep my business running smoothly even during the busiest seasons.
4. Build a Profit Plan for the Seasons
The horse industry is seasonal, so I’d account for the highs and lows in my profit plan. This means saving during peak months and preparing for the slow season. A solid profit plan helps avoid the financial stress that comes when business slows down and ensures I can afford to keep operations going—whether it’s through saving for winter or creating year-round income streams. You can be aware of your business’s financial patterns and choose how to approach. Profit Plans are discussed in the first online course of the CEQO Collective – head to the website to learn more.
5. Set Boundaries to Protect My Time and Energy
It’s easy to say “yes” to everything when you’re passionate about what you do and starting, but that’s the quickest way to burn out. I’d establish clear boundaries around my time, workload, and the types of clients I work with. Build an understanding of boundaries and scope within your operations; with yourself, your team, and your clients. By creating and enforcing boundaries, I’d ensure I’m running a sustainable business that allows me to thrive—not just survive. The “yes” – often comes at a cost.
6. Focus on Growing the Right Revenue Streams
Not every offer or service makes money. I’d analyze which parts of my business are truly profitable and lean into those areas. Whether it’s focusing on a specific niche, offering more in profitable areas, or diversifying my income streams, I’d make sure my energy is spent on activities that move the needle forward, financially and that I enjoy offering.
Building a stable, profitable equestrian business isn’t just a dream—it’s a reality that can be achieved with strategy, intention and action. Whether you’re starting out or looking to optimize your current business, these are the steps I’d take to create a business that supports my passion and my profit goals in the horse world.
All things horse girl dreams and money streams,
Christa Myers
CEQO, Equestrian Entrepreneur
