1) Installed automation to share basic date and price information on Black Saddle instagram.
2) Use Notion to create an intranet for the business to collate procedures, work through ride research, and save notes on all the rides
3) Require everyone to fill in a rider form before I share information the ride. If they really want to go they’ll fill it in and if they’re a beginner rider I’ll save a lot of time as I won’t start the process.
4) Use templates for everything
5) Give timelines so that enquiries don’t stretch out forever. Guests have 7 days to pay a deposit, if they don’t the saddle is released and they can reinquire when they are ready to book.
6) Share loads of information in the first email: everything a person needs to book is in the first email or on the website so questions are limited
7) Deny anyone unsuitable: this was scary at first but is now incredibly liberating. Bad riders, rude people, complainers and non-tippers aren’t welcome back. Sometimes they get the message and sometimes I need to let them know.
8) Allow myself extended periods of rest. Sometimes this might be weeks if I need it. I’ve been burnt out enough times to know the consequences of pushing all the time can be dire.
9) Hibernate after rides. I don’t see anyone for days and it feels… amazing.
10) Look for inspiration outside of the horse world. I love finding inspiration for Black Saddle from other industries. Authors, design websites, other types of travel, philosophers and outdoor enthusiasts. If I look at the others I will be more of them. I want to different. I want to be better.