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Alec LochoreI’m really excited about today’s ‘a few minutes with…’, all about Alec Lochore. Alec is well known in eventing circles and has an incredible CV. He’s also one of the speakers at this year’s Farm Business Innovation Show.

In addition to running Alec Lochore Event & Equestrian Consultancy and Musketeer Event Management (the company responsible for Burnham Market International and Houghton International, amongst others), Alec has held many notable positions in the sport. But he can tell the story much better…

Tell us a bit about Alex Lochore Event & Equestrian Consultancy and Musketeer Event Management?

A.L.E.C is an Event and Equestrian Consultancy business which over the past 15 years has been involved with the design and running of sporting events. Predominantly but not exclusively equestrian projects and covering a complete spectrum of the different levels from grass roots through to Olympic Games.

As an equestrian consultant, I look at the design, strategic and operational planning and the management and delivery of projects and events from the small-scale farm diversification to the large scale international facilities focusing on maximising efficiency and profitability.

As well as working as a consultant, Musketeer Event Management was established in 2001 running equestrian events up and down the country including Houghton International, Burnham Market International, Whitfield Horse Trials and Cholmondeley Castle Horse Trials.

What makes your business different to others?

When working with clients both as a consultant and through Musketeer, I always try to maintain a ‘yes’ and a ‘can do’ policy. Working with and to the client’s objectives, being reactive in trying to pippa funnellfind solutions to any problem encountered in order to reach the end goal. To have an idea, go for it and make it happen.

What area of business are you talking about at the Farm Business Innovation Show and why?

At the Farm Business Innovation Show I am going to be examining the opportunities available in the diversification into equestrian events. Making the right choice in the type of enterprise and then turning the plan into a reality. I am also going to look at the different types of opportunities and the benefits they can bring as well as the possible threats that might have to be encountered.

When are you speaking and why should people come along and listen?

I feel that the equestrian events market has a growing potential, and is a good opportunity for land owners to diversify into a different area of business that they might not have considered. My intention would also be to stimulate investigation and provide some context and understanding for those people who are interested in an area of diversification which can be very complementary and work well running alongside already established farming business and other area of rural land management.

 

Who inspires you?

I am inspired not by a particular person but sports men and woman who have achieved global success on the world stage.  My belief is that no matter what sport or what the athlete’s background, whether rich or poor, a man or a woman, and with no consideration for ethnicity or religion, this person has achieved through the grit, determination, sacrifice, hard work and huge strength of character to persevere through the tough times in order to reach success.

You can find out more about Alec and hear his take on the above at the Farm Business Innovation Show

To find out more about Alec Lochore, his consultancy or Musketeer Event Management, follow the links below…

Musketeer Event Management website

Musketeer Twitter

Musketeer Facebook

Musketeer Instagram

Alec Lochore Event & Equestrian Consultancy website

Alec Lochore Twitter

Alec Lochore Facebook

 

Did you miss last week’s Farm Business Innovation Show themed ‘a few minutes with…’? Read about Emma Collison from Moor View Alpacas and Debbie North from the Outdoor Guide.

Karen McConnell, the lovely lady behind KA Equestrian has had a pretty amazing week. And I wanted to share it with you here. And also let you know that you can catch up on the action on her Facebook page and Youtube channel… and you really, really should!

Karen is a client and friend of mine and I am in awe of what she achieves most week. Not only does she run a livery yard, coach, ride, compete, blog, vlog and generally nail social media… she also has two small children and a lot of other things to do! This week, an extra element was thrown in… Blair Castle Horse Trials. And when I say element… well… it was a but more than that!

A bit about Blair Castle Horse Trials…

Although Blair properly started on the Thursday, the first horse inspection (also known as the trot up) happened on Wednesday afternoon. If you’re not familiar with horse terms, this is the stage of the competition that allows vets to make sure the horses are sound and fit to compete. But it’s a bit more than that. Over the years, the trot up at any of the big three and four star events has been the place to see what’s hot and what’s no so hot in the world of equestrian fashion and style. And Blair is no exception.

And now for some Hiho Silver…

Now, let’s just pop over to Hiho Silver for a minute (it’ll all make sense in the end, stick with me!). If you’ve been following Hiho Silver on social media, you’ll know that the company has sponsored the best dressed at Badminton, Bramham and Blair, and is also sponsoring Blenheim and Burghley (phew!). This sponsorship sees the company give the best dressed lady and gent a lovely prize. And Hiho’s King of The Road is part of the judging team too, with carefully selected people at each venue. At Blair, Andrew judged alongside eventer Paul Tapner and… can you guess… yes, Karen!

And back to Karen!

Karen has a great sense of style and is actually a Toggi Blogger… so you can just image how amazing her wardrobe is! Karen agreed to be part of the esteemed judging panel on the Wednesday, and is also due to be at Blair for the vast majority (if not all) of the event. She has some AMAZING content lined up with riders, sponsors, stand holders and more… I won’t spoil any of the surprises, but you MUST check out her Blair content. Everything I have seen has been superb… and it’s only Friday! There’s more to come!

The judging for the trot up at Blair Castle Horse Trials took place on Wednesday but the winner has only JUST been announced. The team posted a pic of the two winners and the two reserves and people had to guess who had won the accolade… big congrats to Sally Kidd and Craig Barr! Have a look at the outfits and prizes here.