Shop Small to Celebrate Small Business Month

By Lisa Skylis | skylisli@msu.edu

Are you ready to turn your horse hobby into an equine small business? Do you have what it takes to turn your passion into a career? Whether your dream business is a tack shop, freelance photography, a boarding barn, or anything else, it’s crucial to learn how to set your business up for success before launching and learn from those who’ve already made the leap. The goal of this Equine Small Business series is to guide you through the process of becoming a small business, be a resource for growing and maintaining your small business, and give real-life advice from equine professionals with an established small business. Read on and let’s get to business!

May is Small Business Month

For sixty years, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has established the month of May as National Small Business Month and has celebrated May 1st-7th as National Small Business Week. Although the specific metrics vary by industry, a small business is any privately-owned business, partnership, or sole proprietorship with fewer employees and less annual revenue than a corporation. No matter how we define them, there’s no question that small businesses drive economic grow-th and are a representation of the American dream come true.

For horse-lovers, National Small Business Month should serve as a reminder to support your local equine small business and recognize the economic contributions of America’s equine small businesses. A particularly reputable source for learning about the financial contributions of the equine industry is the American Horse Council’s 2017 National Economic Impact Study According to the Study, the horse industry has a total employment impact of 1.7 million jobs and contributes a total of $122 billion to the U.S. economy. That same Study found that a whopping 30.5% of all U.S households have a horse enthusiast in the home, who regularly engages with the equine industry. Another survey conducted in 2021, the QuickBooks Commerce Small Business Shopping Report, reported that almost half of consumers (48%) were more likely to try a new business than they were before the pandemic. The Report also found that 93% of shoppers said that, due to the pandemic, supporting small businesses is more important to them than ever.

All this to say, equine small businesses are thriving in 2023 and there is no shortage of equestrians looking to support a local equine business. As part of National Small Business Month, this installment of the Equine Small Business Series will take the opportunity to highlight three equine small businesses located in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan.

Final Cut Show Clothing, Indiana

Start off your show season in style with custom and ready-to-wear outfits from Final Cut Show Clothing Seamstress and founder Signe Nicholson knows that whether you’re heading to a local open show or the travelling across the country on the circuit, competitive Western exhibitors want to stand out from the crowd. Working from her studio in Mooresville, Indiana, her creative designs are anything but ordinary and are tailored to perfection, flattering any and all body types. Custom rail shirts or vests start at $300, custom applique Horsemanship shirts or Showmanship jackets start at $750, and matching chaps begin at $450. Ready-to-wear clothing generally ships within twenty-four hours of receiving payment and a custom outfit may take between four and six weeks until it’s ready for shipping Reach out to Signe by email at finalcut4u@yahoo.com or by calling 317-442-1551 and get started on the custom creation of your dreams. Nicholson encouraged, “A one-of-akind rider deserves a one-of-a-kind outfit. Let me help you make the Final Cut!”

Spring Brook Equine Bodywork, Ohio

Having grown up deep in the heart of Hocking County, Emily Morris of Spring Brook Equine B o d y w o r k i s proud to serve horses in and around Central Ohio. A Certified Equine Massage Therapist since 2017, most of Emily’s equine massage work uses the Masterson Method, which works with a horse’s nervous system to release any tension. “Spring Brook Equine Bodywork is a culmination of my experience running my own businesses, working in the veterinary pharmaceutical industry, working as a veterinary assistant, and riding personally”

Emily explained, “all of which have fueled my knowledge and passion for giving back to the animals who give so much to us.”

Book your appointment with Spring Brook Equine Bodywork by calling or texting Emily at 614-207-0539. “Whether your horse is a trail riding companion, a national dressage champion, rehabbing from an injury, or you just want to give them a gift to tell them thanks,” She emphasized, “I look forward to meeting your equine partner!”

Lisa Skylis graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Animal Science. She is a professional freelance writer and Lisa’s work largely focuses on the equine industry. When she’s not writing, Lisa can be found doting on the horses at her local therapeutic riding barn or entertaining her mischievous Golden Retriever, Roy Freelance inquiries can be sent to skylisli@msu.edu

Good As New Blankets, Michigan

Since their founding in 2010, Good As New Blankets is a proud community favorite for horse owners in Mid-Michigan. Owner and operator, Cheryl Root began this family business with her daughter, Charley, and has remained committed to providing local equestrians with both blanket repair and washing service as well as five-star customer service. “Growing a business alongside my daughter has been a true blessing,” Cheryl emphasized, “I love visiting different barns and it has been a privilege getting to see the variety of ways that people find joy with their equine counterparts. I have found that horse owners are a caring and supportive group of people which makes this business even more fulfilling!”

As of April 2023, Good As New Blankets opened a commercial facility in Howell, Michigan, but still offers limited pick-up options for barns with a minimum of twenty-five blankets. Washing starts at $22, waterproofing starts at $20 and uses Nikwax Rug Proof waterproofer Blanket repair prices are based on both the size of the blanket and the extent of the damage; most repairs will range from $10 to $25. During late spring through early fall, which is peak blanket repair and washing season, the average turn-around time will be about four weeks.

Get into the spirit of spring cleaning and email Good As New Blankets at goodasnewblankets@gmail.com. “We are very flexible,” Cheryl assured, “And willing to collaborate with our clients to meet their needs. We want you to be happy with your blankets. We stand behind our work and offer a 100% moneyback guarantee.”

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Sources for this article include a 2021 article from Intuit Quick Books titled “QuickBooks Commerce small business shopping report: Opportunities for small businesses, increased support from customers”, a 2022 article from the United States Census Bureau written by Adam Grundy titled “U.S. Census Bureau Resources, Data Tools, New Website for Small Businesses”, and the 2017 National Economic Impact Study form the American Horse Council Foundation. Extension Horses maintains a host of equine business-related articles from their Equine Business Network and, if you’re interested in more resources, can be viewed by visiting https://horses.extension.org/ https://www.muncielighthorseclub.com/

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Barn: Muncie, IN 6498 S Co Rd 475 E

MLHC 2023 Events

May 6: Meeting &Trail/Barn Clean Up, 9am at the Barn

July 6-8: Indiana Celebration TN Walking Horse Show

July 29: Night of Fire (Volunteers Needed)

October 30: Iron ManTriathlon

Nov. 13: Meeting/Pich-In at Mansfield Park