17 Offline Marketing Strategies Every Horse Business Needs to Know

Hey there, horse business owners!

Let’s talk about something that might be a little old-school but is still wildly effective—offline marketing for horse businesses. Yes, I know we live in a digital age where Instagram reels and Facebook ads are all the rage. But if you’re relying solely on the online world to build your brand, you’re missing out on a treasure trove of opportunities.

Picture this: how many emails do you delete without even opening them? And don’t get me started on the social media posts that never even get a glance.

But how often do you receive a handwritten note or a thoughtful gift from a business? Probably not too often, right? And that’s exactly why offline marketing can make your horse business stand out like a Gypsy Cob in a field of Thoroughbreds.

Here’s the deal—offline marketing should complement your online efforts. It’s not about ditching the digital but about adding another layer that makes your brand unforgettable.

So, let’s dive into 17 offline marketing activities that can help you build not just a business, but a brand that resonates with your clients long after they’ve logged off.

Printed Marketing Materials for your Horse Business

Where do your ideal clients hang out? Tack stores, boarding barns, feed stores—these are gold mines for offline marketing. Print some flyers, rack cards, or postcards and get them in those places. Imagine a horse trainer’s postcard sitting right next to the latest bit in a tack store. It’s like matchmaking for businesses!

Collaborate with other Horse Businesses with Similar Clients

Two heads are better than one, right?

Collaborate with other horse businesses that serve a similar audience.

Maybe you’re a saddle fitter, and there’s a local tack shop that’s looking to promote their new line of saddles. A collaboration could benefit both of you—more exposure, more clients, and maybe even a lifelong business partnership.

Have a Booth at a Horse Event

Yes, this can be a bit pricey, but if you choose the right event, it’s worth every penny. The key here is to be selective. A booth at a dressage show might not be the best place for a business that specializes in Western tack. But a Mustang Heritage Foundation TIP Challenge? Now we’re talking!

Get Published

Love to write? Share your expertise in a horse magazine or blog that speaks to your audience.

Writing an article isn’t just about sharing knowledge; it’s about establishing yourself as an expert in your field. Plus, it’s a great way to reach new clients who might not be following you on social media.

Develop Relationships with Local Barn Managers

Barn managers are like the gatekeepers of the horse world.

They know everyone and everything happening in their barns. Develop a good relationship with them, and you might just find your business name being passed along as a trusted referral. A little gift—like a sample of your product—can go a long way.

Sponsorships 

Thinking about sponsoring a rider or a class? Go for it, but have a plan.

Know what you expect to get out of the sponsorship and make sure it aligns with your business goals. Sponsorship isn’t just about slapping your logo on a banner; it’s about creating value for both your business and the event.

Send Handwritten Notes or Cards

This goes back to the beginning of this post.It’s a simple way to stand out from the crowd. People remember things that are unusual.

So, be different. Write a note, send a postcard. In a world full of digital noise, a handwritten card is like a breath of fresh air. It shows you care, and trust me, people remember that. So, grab a pen and start writing.

Swap Offers with Similar Businesses 

Got a friend in the horse business? Why not swap offers?

For example, if you run an organic horse treat business, partner with a local vet to offer a free treat with every visit. It’s a win-win—you get your product in front of new clients, and the vet gets to offer a little something extra to their customers.

Press Releases

Just won an award? Launching a new service? Shout it from the rooftops with a press release.

Press releases are a classic marketing tool that still works wonders. And, help you with that ever elusive SEO!

And don’t worry if you’ve never written one before—a quick Google search will give you all the templates you need.

Advertise in Equestrian Magazines

Print ads might seem a little dated, but they still have their place—especially in niche markets like the horse industry.

Whether it’s a local horse club newsletter or a national equestrian magazine, print ads can get your business in front of the right audience. Just make sure to request a media kit before you commit.

Consider Donating to Charity Events

This is a good one but again be choosy.

Charity events can be a great way to give back while getting your name out there. Make sure the event aligns with your business goals and attracts the kind of clients you want to serve.

It’s not just about feeling good—it’s about making sure your donation benefits your business too.

Send Treats

I always say that a Gypsy Cob is my spirit animal. 

Why? Short, curvy, cute, good personality, lots of hair, and loves to snack.

Dying to work with a specific person or business? Get their attention with treats! Just like horses, people love snacks too. After all, who doesn’t love a good snack?

Sending treats can be a fun way to get on someone’s radar. If there’s a client or business you’re dying to work with, why not send them a little gift? Just like horses, people can’t resist.

Attend Networking Events

There are a zillion networking events out there.

Many are currently online due to the pandemic. Others are still in-person or will be resuming in-person events soon. Several organizations will continue hybrid event opportunities post-pandemic.

When choosing networking events, pick those that have business owners you wish to connect with. Or an audience you want to get your horse business out in front of.

Many networking events even have monthly member speaker opportunities. This could be a great chance to get your business top of mind by telling and showing the audience about your business. 

Speak at a Horse Event…or a not so Horse Event

Got experise to share? Look for opportunities to be a speaker at a club, school, expo, or conference about your horse niche. 

I get requests to speak to high schoolers about photography in general, as well as horse photography. I’ve talked to camera clubs, and horse clubs. I also get requests to talk about entrepreneurship, marketing, and small business ownership. I also guest on podcasts occasionally and talk about a variety of topics.

My point is that you never know where leads for your business might come from. So be open to the opportunities that are out there.

Offer a Free Consultation or Trial Opportunity

Let prospective clients learn about what you do. Tell them about it, and show them the benefits of your product or service.

If you are a horseback riding lesson program, offer a free lesson. If you make organic horse treats, offer a free sample.It’s like giving them a sneak peek of all the awesomeness you have to offer.

Host a Party or Open House 

Are you a new stable in the area? Did you recently open a brand-new location for your tack store? Host a party or open house at your location and invite the public to come and check it out.

Make sure to promote this with a press release to your local media.

Also, send handwritten cards to individuals that you think would be especially interested in what you have to offer. 

Offline Marketing Activities for Horse Businesses

Offline marketing activities for horse businesses should be part of your marketing strategy.

It should complement and magnify your online marketing efforts.

Have you got an offline marketing idea that works for your horse business? I’d love to see it in the comments below.

Want to Read More about Building a Brand for Your Horse Business?

Ready to take your horse business to the next level? Check out our additional blog posts on branding and marketing strategies designed specifically for equestrian businesses.

Discover how to create a brand that not only attracts but retains clients for the long haul.

​If you are interested in learning more about building a brand for your horse business, check out some of these posts:

Building a Brand Identity for a Horse Business

Brand Values for Horse Businesses

Female Equestrian Business Owners Need to Get Visible

Ultimate Guide to Equestrian Brand Photography

How to Create a Vision Statement for a Horse Business

How to Create a Mission Statement for a Horse Business

Booking an Equestrian Brand Photoshoot (What you Need to Know)

How to Write a Value Proposition for a Horse Business

Betsy Bird, Cr. Photog., CPP,  of Ride the Sky Equine Photography spends her days doing insane things to make animals look at her. Clearly, she’s desperate for attention. Outside of acting like a total goofball, she invests in growing her business, mentoring photographers, dealing with her teenagers' angst, and hanging with Nitro, the best dog ever. She also tries to spend some time educating and entertaining aspiring photographers by teaching and blogging about whatever catches her fancy at the moment.

Betsy has earned her Photographic Craftsman degree from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) which honors photographers who contribute to the photographic industry through speaking, mentoring, and publishing. Betsy is also a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) with PPA. The CPP designation is held by fewer than 2,500 photographers nationwide and is a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry, and professionalism.

Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee (PPETN) and the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association (TNPPA). She is also a professional member of the Equine Photographers Network (EPN).

Betsy's award-winning work has been featured in a variety of publications and is found throughout homes and stables in the United States. She is also the co-author of the book, Equine & Equestrian Photography Poses that Sell: The Ultimate Guide to Posing Horses & Humans. She has also been featured on Scenic Trend, the Profitable Photographer Podcast, The Business Animal Podcast, Chatter Magazine, Cowgirls with Cameras Podcast, the Chattanooga Times Free Press, the Chattanoogan, and the Focal Points Podcast to name a few.