- Define the concept and budget on paper
By the next 60–90 days, aim to have:
- A 2–3 page Concept Note (mini business plan) that includes:
- Mission: elite sport-focused equestrian academy (dressage + Working Equitation), not therapy.
- Who you serve: age range, target markets (US/Canada riders, owners sending horses, career-track students).
- Why now: gap post–Meredith Manor closure + your alumni network and WE champions.
- Rough Phase 1 budget and timeline (e.g., $500K land + $600K buildout, 3–5 year ramp).
- A simple 3–5 year budget spreadsheet:
- Year 1–3: small cohorts (maybe 4–6 full-time equivalents), clinic income, boarding/training revenue.
- Core expense buckets: staff, horses, feed, insurance, facility buildout, admin.
This does not need to be perfect; it just needs to look professional and internally consistent.
Purpose: Give everyone a shared picture of what you’re building.
Sections:
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Overview: One-page story: “Post–Meredith Manor sport academy in FL (WE + classical dressage).”
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Mission & Values: Sport-focused, ethics, horse welfare, education standards.
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Why Now / Why Here: Gap since Meredith closed; Ocala–Lakeland region; Working Equitation angle.
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Long-Term Vision: 10-year snapshot: accredited academy, international clinics, pipeline of trainers.