Stable Secret-Shopper

Equestrian/Equine Business Mystery Shops

Operating a horseback riding establishment is a complicated undertaking, which carries with it significant responsibility. Safe, law abiding facilities with solid business structure and that adhere to all required/recommended horse health practices are becoming more complex to maintain.

There is not sufficient liscencing and regulation across the industry. Nor is the general public aware of the benefits of certifications, or what to look for in a suitable stable.

The OEF Challenge?

Left-brain Training proposes to conduct Mystery Shop surveys, a la Marketing Solutions in the banking industry, with findings first publicized on hoofbeats! radio and then also forwared to other media outlets. The survey findings can be used to educate the public on these important safety and horse health related matters, while ensuring that positive aspects of the surveyed are promoted!

The findings can also be sold back to the stables shopped. As in, for $100 I'll show you the survey comments etc. and give you some marketing consulting.

Q) How could EG/EC/OEF and the insurance industry use site visits or follow ups as a way to markets services? (generate additional OEF facility council members, OEF members, OEF brand recognition etc.) -- think EDUCATION AND OUTREACH!

Note:
The PSO nurtures the grassroots development of horse sports, and thereby supports the national horse sport governing body's goal of "access to horses to every child in Canada." Think youth focused/kid-friendly comprehensive e-worksheets, help grow an important demographic.

Q) what about using KID Secret Shoppers?

Q) What would the impact be of asking listeners to undertake and submit surveys? (Guelph Area Stable Tours. especially riding schools and boarding barns in Wellington County?)

It will be important to establish the hoofbeats! radio Secret Shopper's credentials (i.e. use of worksheet and ojective rating system) and the importance of the items researched as part of the survey. (see Boarding Barn search checklist published in Jan '09 HorsePower magazine)
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There are close to 400,000 horses in Ontario today, housed in about 40,000 facilities. Only 140 or so are OEF Facility Council members.

Stable Spotlight: facility member stable, phone interview segment
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The PSO nurtures the grassroots development of horse sports, and thereby supports the national horse sport governing body's goal of "access to horses to every child in Canada." Think youth focused ie kid-friendly comprehensive e-worksheets, help grow an important demographic.

While also helping horse lovers of all ages to recognize the importance of many health and safety recommendations -- and also driving horse businesses to see how to improve facility to get an A grade from all stakeholders!

(see Boarding Barn search checklist published in Jan '09 HorsePower magazine)

Safety Requirements for Trail Riding Establishments

(as recommended by the OEF)

[ ] liability insurance (review proof)
[ ] release forms
[ ] signage about safety-around-horse rules (disucssed & understood by participants)
[ ] fire precautions, evacuation procedures
[ ] safe hazardous material storage
[ ] minimum age of 10 for riders (6 yrs if ponied by staff)
[ ] horses known to be safe, sound and schooled for activity
[ ] no stallions, lame, sick or blind horses, or horses under 5 yrs
[ ] maximum rider weight per horse, horse selection based on aptitude, size etc. (max 1 rider per horse!)
[ ] suitable, well fitted tack in good repair (bareback is not allowed, stirrups much fit foot etc)
[ ] helmets, suitable footwear
[ ] mounting blocks recommended. staff to hold horse while rider mounts
[ ] dismounting during rides discouraged, staff assistance required
[ ] min 2 guides per ride, ratio of 1:5
[ ] functional 2 way communication with stable
[ ] first aid training
[ ] walk uphill and downhill, walk towards barn last 5 min
[ ] staff and guides conversant with accident protocols and accident forms (witnesses etc.)