5 Distractions Getting In the Way of Your Equine Business Growth
- Denise Alvarez
- 22 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Welcome to the show notes! Remember, this is a brief summary from the How to Market Your Horse Business podcast. You'll want to listen to the entire episode for all the good stuff!
Distractions don’t just take your eyes off the prize—they keep you from reaching it as quickly as you could.
Sure, some people grow a business even while distracted. But is that growth truly aligned with their vision, or are they just following someone else’s model? And could they grow faster if they weren’t weighed down by those distractions?
Think of it like driving a car. Yes, you can sometimes get by while distracted if you’re just cruising. But race car drivers? They must stay laser-focused to reach their goal.
The same is true in your equine business—you’ll grow stronger and faster when you eliminate the distractions holding you back.
Here are four common distractions I’ve seen equestrian entrepreneurs face (and I’ve battled them too!), plus practical ways to get free from them.
1. Imposter Syndrome
This sneaky distraction sounds like:
“Why would anyone listen to me?”
“Can I really do this?”
Imposter syndrome often shows up when you step outside your comfort zone—like expanding your services, investing in coaching, or moving your business online. It holds you back by keeping you from showing up, sharing your offers, and increasing your visibility.
2. Shiny Objects
Whether it’s a new social media platform, a course, or even the latest tack, shiny objects feed on FOMO. They scatter your energy and water down your results.
Take my friend who grew quickly on TikTok: she wasn’t trying to do everything everywhere. She put 110% of her energy into one platform and it worked.
Remember: Consistency in one area will take you farther than dabbling in five.
3. Victim Mentality
This one is subtle and could also be described as a powerless mentality. In this specific scenario, it looks like resentment toward others who “had it easier.”
Maybe you’ve thought:
“Of course they’re successful—they had turn-key horses handed to them.”
“She was already connected, so she didn’t have to work as hard as me.”
The real heart behind those distracting thoughts is thinking you don’t have the power to grow your business because you’re not starting with the advantages they had.
Yes, some people may have advantages. But, why waste your energy being resentful or frustrated? It’s a much wiser use of your energy and mental space to focus on doing well what I’ve been called to do and building what you’ve been called to build, serve who you’re called to serve, etc.
4. Discontentment
Dreaming big is a good thing, until it robs your joy in the present. Discontentment says, “I’ll only be happy when I hit X clients or Y income.” The problem? It steals your energy and blinds you to the progress you’re making today.
Do I want you to chase your dreams? Absolutely. But, we have to guard against letting those big dreams and aspirations become the one thing that can bring us happiness.
5. Unmet Expectations
If you’ve felt like you “should” be further along than you are right now. Or, that you had an expectation for what your business would look like by this time this year and it’s not there, be aware of how you process that.
Goals are great. But, if they keep you from being flexible and teachable, they become expectations that can be a distraction to your progress.
How to Break Free from Distractions
Distractions will always come your way, but they don’t have to control your growth. Here are four antidotes you can put into practice right now:
Solve the right problem. Don’t waste energy fighting the wrong battles.
Reconnect with your why. Keep your focus on your unique vision and lane.
Practice gratitude. It’s the antidote to comparison and discontentment.
Don’t go it alone. Find a coach or trusted mentor who can help you see blind spots and stay on track.
Your equine business deserves your focus. When you strip away distractions, you’ll find more freedom to grow in a way that truly fits your version of success—and you’ll enjoy the process along the way.
And if you want a little extra help identifying and removing distractions that are getting in your way, applications are open for Take the Reins, my 6-month 1:1 coaching program.
Ready to build a business that meets your definition of success? Take the Reins 1:1 Coaching will give you a step-by-step roadmap to get there.
Links Mentioned In This Episode
Make Your Equestrian Offer Irresistible: 4 Ways to Increase Value & Attract More Buyers [Episode 171]
Me, Myself & Lies by Jennifer Rothschild
Mind Your Mindset: The Science that Shows Success Starts With Your Thinking by Megan Hyatt Miller and Michael Hyatt
Take the Reins: 1:1 Business Coaching for Equestrian Entrepreneurs
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