Breaking Barriers to Entry: What the Equine Industry Can Learn from Bob’s Custom Saddles

We cover a lot of ground in this episode:

• Seeds of industry growth
• Breaking barriers to entry
• Challenging the idea that horses are an “expensive” sport
• The dual responsibility of sponsorship
• The importance of stewardship
• Supporting the next generation
• Ensuring the future of the cowboy lifestyle

And the Cowboys respond to a question from a listener: How does rapid growth and outside interest in our sport affect the industry? 

About Bob’s Custom Saddles

• Bob’s focus when creating a custom saddle is to fit the horse, fit the rider, improve rideability
• You have to answer at least 15 questions when ordering a Bob’s Custom Saddles
• Bob’s has used the same tree manufacturer and Hermann Oak leather since it’s inception 47 years ago
• Exhibitors have won an estimated $24M in Bob’s Custom Saddles
• If you have a serial number, Bob’s can tell you exactly when the saddle was made and for who

How Does Industry Growth Occur and What Challenges Do We Face?

Growth comes from many sources: product, passion, and organic growth from outside sources (think Yellowstone & The Cowboy Channel). Interest in the western lifestyle is strong and enthusiasm is at a high with more spectator-driven events being offered. But there is an inherent challenge for many of the performance horse disciplines.

Many performance events can be difficult to understand and appreciate unless you are already educated in the rules, judging practices, and understand “quality” for that specific event. Educating the audience and bringing awareness to how the event is judged is required for spectators to truly enjoy the event.

Another barrier to growth is the expense of getting started. If you already know and love the industry, have roots in it, and have the passion to compete, you don’t mind trading in a vacation home, boat, or fancy car for your horse, training fees, board, entry fees, etc. But what about those who are just getting started? They may not even be sure this “horse thing” is for them. How do they get started without investing substantial amounts of money? 

And finally, why do people leave the industry? That may be a question for another time, but it’s one that is important to understand if the equine industry is going to continue to experience healthy growth.