Ride on the Wild Side

In This Episode

As general manager of Hansen Dam Horse Park, Marnye oversees operations of a facility that not only provides a venue for horse shows but is able to house over 200 horses and currently provides for 18 trainers who work out of the facility. The concept of one venue providing training facilities for multiple trainers is not common across the country, but it enables trainers to focus on their core competencies and business while the facility handles maintenance and other support services. 

One of those services is keeping trainers updated and aware of industry changes that could impact their future. Social license to operate is a good example. With increased urbanization much of the country has lost touch with their agricultural roots and trainers must be aware of how their daily interactions with horses can impact how the public views the horse industry as a whole. This often overlooked subject has the potential to affect the future, not only of their individual business, but of the facility and even the industry in general.

Finding Balance

The cowboys and Marnye tackle tough questions like how does the industry find balance between regulations and oversight while maintaining flexibility and innovation? What works in the boardroom does not always translate in the trenches of training, showing, and caring for our horses on a daily basis. 

Add to that the concerns over the environment and it’s easy to see how facilities and trainers get caught in the middle as they attempt to be successful in the business of the horse business. The current trajectory of the industry has the potential to create an elitist only environment where only the affluent are willing and able to pay the price of showing. 

What happens to the middle guy and newcomers when the cost of competing pushes them out of the game? They find another game to play. And what happens to the top when the bottom crumbles? Well, it’s a pretty obvious answer. 

What isn’t obvious is how to fix the problems we see. Business is business and without a profit shows can’t continue. Exhibitors without show production experience may walk away thinking show management is raking in all that dough, but often, especially at the middle and smaller shows, management is barely in the black after paying expenses. The profit margin is slim after paying staff and facility fees, not to mention prizes or added money to entice exhibitors to attend. The industry desperately needs to discover how to create wealth within its ranks rather than causing all levels to expend wealth until they leave.

While we can’t fix all our problems, there is one thing we can each do to improve our industry. Stop labeling yourself and others and get unified behind the love of the horse. No matter your discipline, age, or level of experience, get out of your “tribe” and remove the divisiveness that keeps us struggling to find a unified voice that speaks for all areas of the horse industry. 

ONE MORE THING

Take the American Horse Council Economic Impact Survey. Your voice matters so use it!