Anita Marchesani of Get Up and Gallop was kind enough to answer some questions about her business and horses.
How much of your day/week is related to horses?
I agist my horse and live in the suburbs, so it takes around 3 hours of my day to drive out, get him sorted, ride, put him away and drive home. I have to admit, one of the driving factors in considering starting my own business Get Up and Gallop was that it would give me a freedom to choose when in the day I wanted to ride, and not be forced to do so in the evenings after a day in an office somewhere!
Lucky for me, the way I have always run my businesses, I ride or train my horse around 4-5 days a week.
What is it exactly that you do?
I’m a business coach and mentor helping other small business owners learn how to effectively market and sell for their business. I trust that my clients are already experts at what they do- equine massage, dog trainers, retailers, riding coaches etc- I’m here to help them find more clients, grow their business, and increase their profits.
Funnily enough, to do that you need to invest in marketing, and learn how to sell! Previously, I’ve created two equine retail businesses- one that failed, one that was a raging success and that I sold 2 years ago. That business – Bit Bank Australia – is still growing with the new owner, and I’m very proud to see her continue to help riders across Australia and New Zealand.
In this field of work, is it possible to be a full time professional and earning a liveable income?
Yes, of course. In my current business, and in my previous retail business. With the first business I started that was not profitable, it took me critically analysing it, and actively learning new skills to be able to take a loss building business and turn it into a profitable 6 figure venture in less than 4 years.
Its hard work, its always hard work, but yes, you can make money and a good living, working with horses. Now I am helping my clients who work with horses do the same.
What are the general steps taken to be employed in such a role?
Work. Hard work. Discipline. The dedication to jump out of bed every day ready to get stuck into it. Working with a coach or mentor to help you learn the skills you currently lack, and to support you as a sounding board when problems arise.
There are far easier ways to earn the cash than creating your own business. But for me, the rewards are far greater. The thing is, you have to be prepared to suffer for it! And always, always keep learning.
Favourite horse memory?
Jumping steeplechase fences on a 4 star event horse when I was working as a groom in the UK for a professional event rider. Best fun ever!
Future goals?
Horse wise, I would love to take my Mojo pony to Medium dressage, but we have a lot of work to do before we do! Largely, my sitting trot!
Work wise, to be able to help a very select group of business owners grow, develop, and have fun in their businesses. Too many people choose to stay isolated and ignorant. There are no stupid questions, the only stupid thing is to NOT ask them. My clients ask ALL the questions, and that’s why they get the results they do, and it makes me so proud.
Best thing about your sport/profession?
For both – that there is always so much more to learn!
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