In this episode of Let's Talk Horse Business, host George sits down with professional dressage rider and horse sales expert Kirsten Maine. Kirsten shares her journey from a young equestrian to an international dressage competitor and successful business owner. She provides insight into the dressage industry, discusses her unique approach to horse sales and training, and sheds light on the challenges and rewards of managing a horse business. A significant focus of the conversation revolves around the realities of running a livery, how to structure it for sustainability, and why traditional livery models often struggle financially. Whether you’re an aspiring dressage rider, a horse owner, or someone interested in equestrian business strategies, this episode offers invaluable knowledge and practical advice.

Topics Discussed:

• Kirsten’s background: Her early start in dressage and transition to a professional career.

• Running a successful horse sales and training operation.

• The structure of Kirsten’s business: separating livery, training, and sales.

• The financial and logistical challenges of running a livery yard.

• How Kirsten collaborates with her livery manager, Joe, to create a sustainable system.

• Differences in livery costs based on location and facilities.

• Managing livery clients' expectations and maintaining profitability.

• The state of the UK dressage industry and differences between the UK and European markets

• Advice for young riders and those looking to enter the industry.

Key Quotes:

• “Every horse is for sale, no matter whether I like to keep them or not. At the end of the day, money is money and a horse is a horse.”

• “Don't try and please everybody. It doesn't work. You can put yourself out there and try and make everybody happy, but you'll only end up causing yourself loads of misery.”

• “People have to be realistic about what things cost. The price of bedding, feed, and hay keeps going up, and we have to charge accordingly.”

• “Running a livery alone isn’t profitable. That’s why I separate it from my sales and training business to ensure everything remains financially viable.”

• “You need to set boundaries in your livery business—don’t let clients dictate prices based on what the yard down the road is charging. Know your worth.”

• “Reputation is everything in this industry. It can be built over years but ruined in an instant.”

Socials

https://www.instagram.com/gbetson/

https://www.tiktok.com/@hustle_with_george

About the Host

George Betson is a seasoned business entrepreneur with over a decade of experience, driven by a passion for both strategic business growth and the equine world. Starting his journey as a business graduate, George worked alongside his late father to run the family business, learning firsthand the value of hard work, resilience, and the essentials of building a successful enterprise.