This Business of Horses

Episode summary introduction: In this episode we chat to Vicki Wentworth, CEO of Agria UK about her journey to Insurance and Agria UK, Agria’s very different stance on vet exclusions, other ways in which Agria is unique including being carbon positive, what Agria has been up to in their first twelve months, their support of leading research in to barefoot showjumping, what Vicki is most proud of so far, what is next and what she would say to anyone who thinks Insurance is ‘dull’... 

Topics discussed in this episode: 

• The journey to CEO at Agria UK [00:16]
• Agria – who are you and where are you based [04:14]
• Agria’s very different stance on vet exclusions is the talk of the tack room… [05:08]
• Other ways Agria is unique [11:30]
• What Agria has been busy with in their launch year [17:45]
• What has been learnt over the first year [21:36]
• Support of leading research in to barefoot showjumping  [23:09]
• What is next for Agria [26:42]
• What Vicki would say to Insurance being classed as ‘dull’ [29:52]
• What Vicki is most proud of [31:07]

Resources for this episode: 

• Visit the Agria Equine UK website at www.agriapet.co.uk/equine-horse-insurance
• Visit the Agria Equine Insurance socials FB @AgriaEquine, Insta @agria_equine 
• Nominate your ‘Agria Horse of a Lifetime’ for the November Horse & Hound awards at www.agriapet.co.uk/horse-of-a-lifetime   
• Visit the team on the stand at Your Horse Live, Stoneleigh from 10-12 November, 2023
• Agria Pet Insurance Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Services Register Number 496160. Agria insurance policies are underwritten by Agria Försäkring.

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Episode summary introduction: In this episode we chat to Julie-Anne Griffith, co-founder of Equi-Scotia CIC about her journey to Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL), who can benefit from EFL, how EFL differs from more ‘traditional’ activities with horses, the difference between learning and therapy with horses, how EFL can contribute to a horse’s quality of life, business models and EFL and the future plans for Equi-Scotia… 

Topics discussed in this episode: 

• The journey to setting up Equi-Scotia [01:45]
• Why Equine Facilitated Learning [0:30]
• What EFL is and who can benefit from it [08:43]
• The types and range of people who have engaged with Equi-Scotia [10:48]
• How EFL differs from more traditional activities with horses [13:52]
• How EFL can contribute to a horse’s quality of life [16:57]
• Business models/commercial opportunities and EFL [21:44]
• The difference between learning and therapy with horses [24:23]
• How people can train for this field of work [34:38]
• Future plans for Equi-Scotia [42:20]

Resources for this episode: 

• Visit the Equi-Scotia CIC website at www.equi-scotia.com
• Visit the HETI website www.hetifederation.org 
• The Five Domains of Animal Welfare www.redwings.org.uk 
• What is Social Licence to Operate www.worldhorsewelfare.org 

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• If you found this episode useful, please leave us a review and let us know what else you would like to hear
• Don’t forget to follow us on your favourite podcast app and subscribe so you don’t miss any nuggets from our brilliant guests 

Episode summary introduction: In this episode we chat to Eleni Randle, Founder of Eldnar Consultancy and its latest arm The Equestrian Planning Consultancy about all things planning, her journey so far, accolades and awards, buying land and how much to pay for a potential site, planning permissions and pitfalls, fees, refusals, appeals and everything in between. Oh, and we learn who Loopy is and the important role they played in shaping Eleni’s tenacity… 

Topics discussed in this episode: 

• The journey to setting up Eldnar and The Equestrian Planning Consultancy [01:24]
• Professional recognition to date [05:11]
• Who is Loopy? [07:35]
• How to know if you might get permission for horses and facilities on land [09:20]
• How to use and know if existing buildings have appropriate permissions [12:38]
• What to pay for a potential site [14:58]
• How most land is typically sold and the help available in the process [17:34]
• What equestrian facilities need planning permission [19:46]
• Horses are not classed as Agriculture [21:25]
• Can you build a dwelling to live on site with your horses? [24:19]
• What to submit when applying for planning permission and timing on decisions [25:55]
• What the Council takes into account when considering a planning application [31:25]
• Typical planning fees and how they are calculated [33:29]
• What you can do if your planning is refused and the appeals process [37:28]
• Options if facilities have already been built and an enforcement officer visits [41:27]
• The sort of equestrian applications Eldnar Consultancy has worked on to date [44:29]

Resources for this episode: 

• Visit the Eldnar Consultancy website at www.eldnarconsultancy.co.uk [48:10]
• Visit The Equestrian Planning Consultancy website www.equestrianplanningco.co.uk [48:20]
• Visit the team on Stand G61 at The National Equine Show, 4-5 March at the NEC [48:54]

Now over to you!

• If you found this episode useful, please leave us a review and let us know what else you would like to hear
• Don’t forget to follow us on your favourite podcast app and subscribe so you don’t miss any nuggets from our brilliant guests 
• Send your business related questions to be answered by relevant experts on air once a month - [email protected]

Episode summary introduction: In this episode we chat to Professor Meriel Moore-Colyer, Professor of Equine Science at The Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester about how Haygain steamers came about, her involvement with their development, the challenges they faced, the research behind the product, how the perception and understanding of respiratory health has evolved, pet peeves around horse management and her 3 top tips for healthy horses. Oh, and her favourite tunes for lab work…  

Topics discussed in this episode: 

• How and when Meriel got involved with Haygain [01:42]
• Key milestones in development & main challenges of the process [05:13]
• How research verified the benefits of Haygain steaming [09:40]
• The impact dusty hay had on horses before Haygain development [16:57]
• How much the general understanding of the topic has evolved since Haygain [20:48]
• What horse management techniques drive Meriel most crazy [23:41]
• Role in developing the Forager Slow Feeder [27:24]
• Why we should believe Haygain pitches [33:01]
• Meriel’s top 3 horse health tips [36:52]
• What music you will find on Meriel’s headphones in the lab [36:52]

Resources for this episode: 

• Visit the Haygain website at haygain.co.uk    

Now over to you!

• If you found this episode useful, please leave us a review and let us know what else you would like to hear
• Don’t forget to follow us on your favourite podcast app and subscribe so you don’t miss any nuggets from our brilliant guests 
• Send your business related questions to be answered by relevant experts on air once a month - [email protected]
• Please join us for more chat, support, networking and inspiration in our dedicated FB group The Yard Supplement Connect 

Episode summary introduction: In this episode we chat to Tim Smalley, Managing Director at Bedmax about how Bedmax bedding came about on a farm overlooking Holy Island in Northumberland, the development of the brand and its unique features, UK raw materials, international markets, Royal warrants and being the first bedding business to gain the BETA NOPS for bedding accreditation. Oh, and pine resin and the future…  

Topics discussed in this episode: 

• How and why it all started  [01:40]
•  Did the equestrian world immediately recognise Bedmax’s purpose and benefits [04:16]
• Importance of large flake vs small flake shavings  [05:24]
• What makes Bedmax so popular [06:11]
• Bedmax around the world  [09:18]
• UK raw materials and production [10:41]
• Royal warrants [11:22]
• Using the dust extracted in production to create another product [12:32]
• New bedding product Strawmax  [14:57]
• BETA NOPS accreditation  [20:22]
• The future [22:44]

Resources for this episode: 

• Visit the Bedmax website at bedmaxshavings.com   

Now over to you!

• If you found this episode useful, please leave us a review and let us know what else you would like to hear
• Don’t forget to follow us on your favourite podcast app and subscribe so you don’t miss any nuggets from our brilliant guests 
• Send your business related questions to be answered by relevant experts on air once a month - [email protected]
• Please join us for more chat, support, networking and inspiration in our dedicated FB group The Yard Supplement Connect 

Episode summary introduction: In this episode we chat to Vicky Hipkins, Managing Director at Synovium Horse Health UK about how she became MD at Synovium, who Synovium are, what makes them different in a busy market, best sellers, common issues that owners come to them with, what to look for when deciding on a supplement and the Vets behind the scenes…  

Topics discussed in this episode: 

•  Vicky’s equine background  [01:38]
• How Vicky became MD at Synovium Horse Health UK  [02:10]
• Who Synovium Horse Health Supplements are  [03:52]
• How Synovium came to the UK [05:05]
• What makes Synovium supplements different [06:28]
• Synovium’s mission [08:25]
• Best sellers [10:43]
• Common issues from owners  [11:48]
• Helping customers find the right supplement  [14:50]
• Muscle supplement range  [16:09]
• What people should look at when deciding on a supplement  [18:33]

Resources for this episode [21:32]: 

• Visit the Synovium website at www.synovium.co.uk   
• Email:  [email protected] 
• Phone : 07545 132174

Now over to you!

• If you found this episode useful, please leave us a review and let us know what else you would like to hear
• Don’t forget to follow us on your favourite podcast app and subscribe so you don’t miss any nuggets from our brilliant guests 
• Send your business related questions to be answered by relevant experts on air once a month - [email protected]
• Please join us for more chat, support, networking and inspiration in our dedicated FB group The Yard Supplement Connect 

Episode summary introduction: In this episode we chat to Anthony Meadowcroft, a Director at Charles Louis Commercial agents about why he specialised in commercial estate agency, NAEA Propertymark, his current Chairmanship of the Commercial Advisory Committee, selling equestrian commercial property and businesses, the things to consider when doing so and the state of play in the market…  

Topics discussed in this episode: 

·         NAEA Propertymark – what is this?  [01:35]

·         What led Anthony to specialise in commercial estate agency  [04:37]

·         Why Charles Louis looking to have a focus on and offer services to the sector [05:56]

·         Common misconceptions and pitfalls when considering the sale of a business [08:19]

·         Top tips for those considering selling their business [16:00]

·         Predictions for the commercial market over next 12-18 months [24:20]

Resources for this episode: 

·         Visit Charles Louis Commercial website at www.charleslouiscommercial.co.uk   

·         Email [email protected] 

·         Phone 07548 342 394

 
Top Tips from Anthony:

1.       Sell when the time is right for you and plan ahead

2.       Understand your opposites position whether you are buyer or seller

3.       Transparency

4.       Buyers consider ‘emotional investment’ made by current owner 

5.       Understand how and where the agent will be looking to market your business sale

Now over to you!

-          If you found this episode useful, please leave us a review and let us know what else you would like to hear

-          Don’t forget to follow us on your favourite podcast app and subscribe so you don’t miss any nuggets from our brilliant guests 

-          Send your business related questions to be answered by relevant experts on air once a month - [email protected]

-          Please join us for more chat, support, networking and inspiration in our dedicated FB group The Yard Supplement Connect 

Episode summary introduction: In this episode we chat to Fraser Cruikshanks, Business Development Manager at Shearwater who talks us through key areas of Equestrian Liability, Public Liability, Employers Liability, what yard owners need to think about for Property cover, Freelance and Instructors Insurance and Insurance for larger commercial facilities…

Topics discussed in this episode: 

• Equestrian Liability – what does this cover [02:04]
• What is Public Liability and who needs it [10:14]
  • Public Liability and memberships [14:21]
• Employers Liability and what it covers [18:15]
• Do yard owners need specific equestrian insurance for their equestrian property? [22:42]
• Freelance/Instructors insurance – cover and who needs it [29:44]
• Insurance for larger commercial establishments [33:13]

Resources for this episode: 

• Visit Shearwater Insurance Services website at www.shearwater-insurance.co.uk  
• Email [email protected]  
• Phone 01992 718666 

Now over to you!

• If you found this episode useful, please leave us a review and let us know what else you would like to hear
• Don’t forget to follow us on your favourite podcast app and subscribe so you don’t miss any nuggets from our brilliant guests 
• Send your business related questions to be answered by relevant experts on air once a month - [email protected]
• Please join us for more chat, support, networking and inspiration in our dedicated FB group The Yard Supplement Connect 

Episode summary introduction: In this episode we chat to Nicola Kinnard-Comedie, Founder of NKC Equestrian Training about how and why Nicola created the business, the journey and experiences to get there, what she is most frequently asked as a business coach, what holds people back in business, biggest business learnings on her own journey, what she wishes people would start and stop doing in business, and is social media positive…

Topics discussed in this episode: 

• An introduction to Nicola and how she arrived at NKC Equestrian Training [02:00]
• The transition from riding instructor to business coach [05:17]
• What business owners ask most frequently [08:27]
• What holds people back in business [10:08]
• Biggest learnings in Nicola’s business journey [15:46]
• What to start and stop doing in business [17:38]
• Is social media positive [24:32]

Resources for this episode: 

• Visit NKC Equestrian Training website at www.nkcequestrian.com 
• Email [email protected] 
• Online business retreat https://mailchi.mp/nkcequestrian/businessretreat 

Now over to you!

• If you found this episode useful, please leave us a review and let us know what else you would like to hear
• Don’t forget to follow us on your favourite podcast app and subscribe so you don’t miss any nuggets from our brilliant guests 
• Send your business related questions to be answered by relevant experts on air once a month - [email protected]
• Please join us for more chat, support, networking and inspiration in our dedicated FB group The Yard Supplement Connect 

Episode summary introduction: In this episode we talk to John Burdon, Director of Windowbox Limited (the home of the IV Horse range of products) about how the brand came in to existence, the ethos of the company, what makes the range of grooming products unique, product development, proudest moments, business challenges, next steps and what other products Windowbox has developed that are useful to the sector. Oh, and Romany Caravans, a Yorkshire man in Scotland and resting… 

Topics discussed in this episode: 

• IV Horse beginnings and ethos (and quite a bit about the products!) [01:23]
• What makes the IV Horse range unique [25:40]
• Supplying yards in a trade capacity [29:19]
• What the business is particularly proud of [30:30]
•  Where the company is heading [31:03]
• Other Windowbox Limited innovations and products [41:15]
  •  AU Gold [43:43], Crud Buster [44:52] 
• Does John rest? [47:58]

Resources mentioned in this episode [49:57]: 

• Visit Windowbox Limited website at www.windowboxlimited.co.uk 
• Email on [email protected]
• Main number 01888 544261
• John Burdon mobile 07590 848911   

Now over to you!

• If you found this episode useful, please leave us a review and let us know what else you would like to hear
• Don’t forget to follow us on your favourite podcast app and subscribe so you don’t miss any nuggets from our brilliant guests 
• Send your business related questions to be answered by relevant experts on air once a month - [email protected]
• Please join us for more chat, support, networking and inspiration in our dedicated FB group The Yard Supplement Connect