Horse Business Management

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.

• Preface xDedication xiSection 1: Setting the Right Course 11 A Successful Horse Business 3Introduction – The Ingredients of Success 3Defining Success 3Safety and Legality 5Equine Standards 5Vision and Leadership 5Entrepreneurial Flair 6Human Resources 6Marketing 7Common Characteristics and Trends of Horse Businesses 7The Business Environment 9Challenges of a Horse Business 102 The Customer in the Market Place 11Introduction 11What do We mean by Market? 11Stakeholders in the Business 12Customer Care 183 Quality 22Introduction to Quality 22So what is Quality? 23The Management of Quality 24End of Section 1 – Setting the Right Course 30Section 2: Staying On Course 314 Health and Safety 33Introduction 33Accidents and Blame 34Developing a Health and Safety Culture 35Health and Safety Management 395 Legality and Insurance 49Introduction 49The Law of Contract 50Express Warranties and Conditions 53Misrepresentation 53Contracts of Employment 54The Law of Tort 56Insurance 666 Finance and Profit 70Introduction 70Raising Money 70Taxation 72Performance Management 75Financial Risk Management 837 Marketing and Mission 84Introduction 84Market Research 84Mission Statement 87Marketing Strategies 888 Context and Content 100Introduction 100The British Horse Industry 100Training, Education and Careers 106End of Section 2 – Staying on Course 108Section 3: Delivering Results 1099 Yard and Enterprise Management 111Introduction 111Premises Considerations 111Routines 128Daily Duties 131Labour-saving Devices 134Enterprises 135Grassland Management 14910 Staff and Office Management 155Introduction 155Recruitment 155Job and Person Specifi cations 156Interviewing 157Employment and Employing Staff 159Motivation 160Communication 162Management Style 163Remuneration and Benefits 164Staff Training 165Organisation 170Office Routines 171Equipment 172Records 17511 Managing Shows and Events 178Introduction 178The Nature of Shows and Events 179The Principles of Running a Good Show 182Looking Back 19412 The Eye of the Master 202Looking Back 202Looking Around 202Looking Forward 203Looking Diligently 204End of Section 3 – Delivering Results 205Appendices 207Appendix 1 Facts, Figures and Organisations 209Overview of Organisations within the British Horse Industry 209Useful Facts about the British Horse Industry 222Useful Figures about the British Horse Industry 226Appendix 2 Guidance on Promoting Safe Working Conditions 229General Advice for all Horse Establishments 229Additional Specific Guidance for Horse Riding Establishments 239Additional Specific Guidance for Studs and Horse Breeding Establishments 243Additional Specific Guidance for Racehorse Training Establishments 245Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 246Risk Assessment 247Appendix 3 Career Training for Work in the Horse Industry 250Introduction 250Career Preparation 251College qualifications 252NVQs, Traineeships and Apprenticeships 252BHS Professional Qualifications 253Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) andNational Pony Society (NPS) 253United Kingdom Coaching Certificate (UKCC) 254Other Professional and Technical Qualifications 256Portfolios and CVs 256Appendix 4 National Vocational Qualifications (Including Teaching Level 3 Management and Supervisory Skills) 257Introduction to Vocational Qualifications (S/NVQs) 257NVQ Level 1 258NVQ Level 2 258NVQ Level 3 259NVQ Level 4 260NVQ Structure within each Level 260NVQ Methods of Assessment 261NVQ Level 3 – Management and Supervisory Units 261Index 271

"This is a comprehensive manual dedicated to the management of all types of equine establishments. The text is clearly set out with manysubheadings . . . the book has been extensively revised for this fourth edition and has excellent coverage of business management.". (Australian Veterinary Journal, 11 November 2010)