Good news - the eBook edition of The Riding Holiday Centre Handbook is now available.
As the publisher's blurb says: This
unique and comprehensive guide is aimed primarily at anyone who is considering
starting a riding holiday centre. It will also be valuable to equestrian
professionals who already own or manage established tourism businesses.
After outlining the nature of the riding holiday industry, the authors consider the market research and planning required to found a successful riding holiday centre. The essentials of premises and equipment are examined, followed by selection of suitable horses. Excellent equine management at home and on the trail—the foundations of a successful riding operation—is considered in detail. The authors elucidate the specific skills, rarely covered in equine literature, that are required to manage trail riding horses covering appreciable distances away from home. A combination of able guiding and thorough support is central to the operation, and both specialized equestrian guiding skills and suitable general staffing are considered. Examples drawn directly from the authors’ experience are highlighted throughout.
Trail planning and customer care are vital to success and are discussed next. Each riding centre owner needs a sound grounding in marketing, operating a booking system, and commercial and legal matters, which are explained in the closing chapters. The book ends by bringing everything together with a typical trail ride programme. Annexes include a bibliography, sample itineraries, equipment lists, booking forms and disclaimers.
Both the eBook and the traditional softback are available from Lulu.com.
Congratulations on this effort and accomplishment! Well done, my friend! Many more (books) to come, I know!
Posted by: Gin Getz | November 30, 2012 at 02:13 AM
wow - I am impressed! congrats!
Posted by: The Equestrian Vagabond | December 02, 2012 at 03:31 AM
Gin and Merri, thank you both. I'm just glad that I've been able to set down what I learned from running that business so that others can benefit.
Posted by: White Horse Pilgrim | December 02, 2012 at 10:28 PM
Oh well done! It must give you a wonderful sense of achievement to see the book in its final form. Personally, I'm looking forward more to you novel!
Posted by: Sandra | December 06, 2012 at 09:23 PM