• Horse Business Management will equip you with the knowledge to run a profitable horse business. Down-to-earth and highly readable, this book demonstrates how to apply modern business theory to create success, in addition to outlining British legal considerations for your business. Essentially, it will enable you to develop your vision of excellence and the specialist skills needed to make that vision a reality. Sections include:

    • Understanding the market
    • Considering available assets
    • Developing effective marketing strategies
    • Developing effective practices in daily yard management
    • Providing a safe and rewarding environment for all involved
    • Recognising and providing a high quality experience for the customer
    • Providing a solid financial return

    Jeremy Houghton Brown and Marcus Clinton offer you their expert advice on modern equine business techniques, sharing their wealth of practical experience, and their thorough understanding of the horse industry in the UK.

    Extensively revised for its fourth edition, Horse Business Management is applicable to every type of stable yard and horse business. It is equally suited for both current and prospective horse business owners and managers, and should be in the hands of every college equine student.

  • Preface x

    Dedication xi

    Section 1: Setting the Right Course 1

    1 A Successful Horse Business 3

    Introduction – The Ingredients of Success 3

    Defining Success 3

    Safety and Legality 5

    Equine Standards 5

    Vision and Leadership 5

    Entrepreneurial Flair 6

    Human Resources 6

    Marketing 7

    Common Characteristics and Trends of Horse Businesses 7

    The Business Environment 9

    Challenges of a Horse Business 10

    2 The Customer in the Market Place 11

    Introduction 11

    What do We mean by Market? 11

    Stakeholders in the Business 12

    Customer Care 18

    3 Quality 22

    Introduction to Quality 22

    So what is Quality? 23

    The Management of Quality 24

    End of Section 1 – Setting the Right Course 30

    Section 2: Staying On Course 31

    4 Health and Safety 33

    Introduction 33

    Accidents and Blame 34

    Developing a Health and Safety Culture 35

    Health and Safety Management 39

    5 Legality and Insurance 49

    Introduction 49

    The Law of Contract 50

    Express Warranties and Conditions 53

    Misrepresentation 53

    Contracts of Employment 54

    The Law of Tort 56

    Insurance 66

    6 Finance and Profit 70

    Introduction 70

    Raising Money 70

    Taxation 72

    Performance Management 75

    Financial Risk Management 83

    7 Marketing and Mission 84

    Introduction 84

    Market Research 84

    Mission Statement 87

    Marketing Strategies 88

    8 Context and Content 100

    Introduction 100

    The British Horse Industry 100

    Training, Education and Careers 106

    End of Section 2 – Staying on Course 108

    Section 3: Delivering Results 109

    9 Yard and Enterprise Management 111

    Introduction 111

    Premises Considerations 111

    Routines 128

    Daily Duties 131

    Labour-saving Devices 134

    Enterprises 135

    Grassland Management 149

    10 Staff and Office Management 155

    Introduction 155

    Recruitment 155

    Job and Person Specifi cations 156

    Interviewing 157

    Employment and Employing Staff 159

    Motivation 160

    Communication 162

    Management Style 163

    Remuneration and Benefits 164

    Staff Training 165

    Organisation 170

    Office Routines 171

    Equipment 172

    Records 175

    11 Managing Shows and Events 178

    Introduction 178

    The Nature of Shows and Events 179

    The Principles of Running a Good Show 182

    Looking Back 194

    12 The Eye of the Master 202

    Looking Back 202

    Looking Around 202

    Looking Forward 203

    Looking Diligently 204

    End of Section 3 – Delivering Results 205

    Appendices 207

    Appendix 1 Facts, Figures and Organisations 209

    Overview of Organisations within the British Horse Industry 209

    Useful Facts about the British Horse Industry 222

    Useful Figures about the British Horse Industry 226

    Appendix 2 Guidance on Promoting Safe Working Conditions 229

    General Advice for all Horse Establishments 229

    Additional Specific Guidance for Horse Riding Establishments 239

    Additional Specific Guidance for Studs and Horse Breeding Establishments 243

    Additional Specific Guidance for Racehorse Training Establishments 245

    Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 246

    Risk Assessment 247

    Appendix 3 Career Training for Work in the Horse Industry 250

    Introduction 250

    Career Preparation 251

    College qualifications 252

    NVQs, Traineeships and Apprenticeships 252

    BHS Professional Qualifications 253

    Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) and

    National Pony Society (NPS) 253

    United Kingdom Coaching Certificate (UKCC) 254

    Other Professional and Technical Qualifications 256

    Portfolios and CVs 256

    Appendix 4 National Vocational Qualifications (Including Teaching Level 3 Management and Supervisory Skills) 257

    Introduction to Vocational Qualifications (S/NVQs) 257

    NVQ Level 1 258

    NVQ Level 2 258

    NVQ Level 3 259

    NVQ Level 4 260

    NVQ Structure within each Level 260

    NVQ Methods of Assessment 261

    NVQ Level 3 – Management and Supervisory Units 261

    Index 271

  • Jeremy Houghton Brown

    Is a lifelong horseman who has managed a variety of different yards and equine businesses. He was manager of the British National Equestrian Centre and the British Racing School, then head of Equine Studies at Warwickshire College. Jeremy has been awarded the Fellowship of the UK’s Royal Agricultural Societies in recognition of his contribution to the horse industry.

    Marcus Clinton

    Is an experienced practical horseman, yard manager, business manager and show and event organiser. He was until recently the head of Land-Based studies at South Staffordshire College, and is now Assistant Principal of Land Based industries at Northumberland College. He is also Chairman of the British Horse Society for Staffordshire. Marcus brings to this fourth edition a rigorous updating of business techniques and new sections on customer care, marketing, safety and quality.

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