This article was first published in Absolute Horse Magazine– to read this issue and any of the others, go to the Absolute Horse website
Ask a Masterminder – stand out experiences on social media
Small & Supercharged Mastermind is an online group supporting small equestrian and rural businesses and, as such, is bursting with amazingly knowledgeable people with lots to share. In each issue of Absolute Horse, we’ll be asking them a question and members will be sharing their top tips… this issue’s question is…
‘We ask the Masterminders – explain one amazing stand-out experience that you have had with equestrian social media’
Dr Diane Adamson aka All The Kings Horses
Like it or loathe it, it’s here to stay. I’ve found it’s an amazing platform for education. I use lives and my Rider Clinic to help equestrians deal with all sorts from describing your fall when you arrive at hospital, specialist equestrian physio, basic life support refreshers, inspiring guests, and so much more.
Social media is also fabulous for networking, and it’s helped to raise my profile in the equestrian space, which has led to me becoming the Chief Medical Officer of BETA, meaning I’m now in a position to make our sport as safe as possible in both the equestrian and medical spaces.
Be brave, you never know what opportunities or friends may come your way. www.facebook.com/medicalmare
Ruth Chappell, Dressage Anywhere
My social stand out moment is a video of Alice Oppenheimer, International Grand Prix Dressage Rider, ‘riding’ a Grand Prix dressage test with a hobby horse! It was to promote our Hobby Horse Online Dressage Competition, which went on to raise £4k for charity but the video itself had just under 80,000 views and really helped to raise awareness.
Amanda Marshall, 3 Donkeys Clothing
I have had the pleasure of meeting some amazing ladies through equestrian social media. Many have gone onto become friends and this in turn has opened many doors for my own business, especially our lovely sponsored rider. Had it not been for equestrian social media I would not have had this opportunity.
Eleanor Lelliott, SpiceMule
100% the best thing about social media is the connections you get, ones that just don’t happen in real life. In what world can you get a like minded bunch together, and most amazingly working together. The most exciting thing that’s happened to SpiceMule is our recent collaboration with Emily Cole. Not only am I a massive fan of her work, but it’s just fab when two business have products that are just meant to be together. I mean decadent mug cakes and beautiful mugs. DREAM TEAM. I just need her to bring out a full range of crockery so we can work together with our Simple Suppers range too!
Donna Case, The Horse Feed Guru
My biggest stand out was being booked to travel to the USA as a result of social media. Not only was my airfare paid for, but my accommodation and food etc for the whole time I was there. My client had never commented on my social media posts, but apparently had been following me for months.
Zoe Kiff, Honest Riders
I think the ongoing thing for me is when someone messaged us and tells us they’ve changed something to be more sustainable as a result of one of our posts. Or have been promoted to make bigger changes. That’s always lovely.
Emily Cole, Emily Cole Illustrations
I owe most of my business to the power of social media. One of the most exciting opportunities has been teaming up with Equiboodle to design a bespoke Emily Cole edition vixen. Seeing customers wearing something with my design on never ceases to be surreal!
To find out more about the Small & Supercharged Mastermind group, see that page on the website.
