My Account
How has business been over the past five years?
Steadily growing and expanding. When we started Ben just did horse training (breaking in and problem solving) and training clinics (teaching people how to communicate with their horses). We now do clinics all over NZ, import high quality Western and Vaquero horse tack, and take an escorted ranch tour each year, where we take a group of Kiwis to experience life on a working cattle ranch in the US.
Would you have done anything differently?
I am sure there are little things we would change, but you are always learning from your experiences and we believe you shouldn’t live life looking back with regret but learn from your mistakes and move forward with greater knowledge.
What keeps you motivated?
Passion for what we do in teaching both horses and people. It is more than just a job – the horsemanship and being a cowboy is a way of life.
What do you believe are the biggest challenges for Mahurangi businesses?
The government rules – the new, huge health & safety law could be crushing for a lot of small businesses if they start doing random inspections and fining people. Also, the taxes are quite high for people starting off in business – they don’t make it easy and helpful for people to start their own business.
What advice would you give to someone who might be thinking of starting their own business?
Research all the pros and cons and the market you want to enter. Find a great mentor who you respect and can learn from. Be prepared to work hard.
ben@truewesthorsemanship.com | 021 178 2891
