What Kenny Chesney Taught Me About Business (Every Equine Entrepreneur Should Hear This)
- Denise Alvarez
- 33 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!
You might not expect a podcast episode from a business and marketing coach for equestrian entrepreneurs to include stories about a country music legend. Yet here we are.
The truth is, I believe we can learn from just about anything when we approach life and business with a teachable mindset. So when I picked up Heart, Life, Music, the memoir from Kenny Chesney, I didn’t expect it to hit me with so many lessons that apply directly to growing a horse business.
But it did. And I think every equine entrepreneur—whether you’re a trainer, photographer, author, riding instructor, or clinician—can take something meaningful from Kenny’s journey.
So let’s dig into 8 business (and life) lessons I walked away with:
8 Business Lessons from Kenny Chesney’s Journey
1. You don’t have to bare all to be real.
Kenny is a private person. In a world that rewards oversharing, he reminds us that you can be authentic and still keep sacred things to yourself. In your marketing, that means showing up as you, not the version of yourself you think will get the most likes.
2. Play the long game.
Kenny’s big hit, “She Thinks My Tracto’s Sexy,” came years after his first single. His first stadium tour? Nearly a decade after he started. His story is a reminder that meaningful, sustainable growth takes time. Success doesn’t come overnight. It comes from staying the course and showing up with intention.
3. Laugh it off and keep going.
A ripped pair of pants on stage during his first-ever headline tour. A girl moving to the other side of the classroom after he gave her the first song he ever wrote. Kenny didn’t spiral. He laughed and moved forward. In your business, things will go wrong. The key is how you respond. Grace and humor go a long way.
4. Give 110% to what you’re doing.
Kenny’s discipline—how he trains, eats, and prepares for tours—is next-level. It reminded me that halfway effort gets you halfway results. For you as an equine business owners, giving 110% might look like sticking to a consistent posting schedule, investing in takeing your website to the next level, or doing that hard thing you’ve been avoiding.
5. Give yourself space to create.
Even the most driven performers need rest. Kenny’s time in the Virgin Islands became his space to refuel and reset. Whether it’s a trail ride, a barn chore you love, or time away from your screen, your creativity and clarity depend on rest.
6. Create a memorable experience.
From vibe rooms to team yearbooks, Kenny is intentional about creating experiences for his fans and his team. Ask yourself: how can I make my client experience more thoughtful and memorable this year?
7. Build community, not just a following.
No Shoes Nation isn’t just a fanbase. It’s a community. Why? Because Kenny genuinely cares. Your horse business has the power to build community too, especially when you focus on serving your people well and consistently showing up for them.
8. Stay rooted in who you are.
Kenny had a season of burnout. What led him back to his roots? Returning to his love of football. It refueled him. In your business journey, there will be seasons when you lose your spark. When that happens, return to your why. What brought you here in the first place?
Whether or not you’re a Kenny Chesney fan, I hope this was a reminder that business inspiration can come from unexpected places.
The equine industry needs more people who are building their businesses with clarity, confidence, and purpose. And if you're one of them? You're my kind of people.
Need support clarifying your direction or creating a plan to grow sustainably? That’s exactly why I created my 1:1 coaching program Take the Reins and my group experience The Business Barn Collective. And, you're invited to check 'em out and see if they're right for you.
Until next time, keep showing up for the work you’re called to do. And remember to give yourself the same grace and permission you so freely give others.
Of course, you'll want to listen to the full episode to dig into each of the insights shared and discover how you can apply each one in your horse business!
Links Mentioned In This Episode
Kenny Chesney Shares About Pants Ripping During First Headliner Tour
9 Kenny Chesney Concert Takeaways for Equestrian Entrepreneurs [Episode 117]
6 Marketing Lessons from A Garth Brooks Concert [Episode 99]
Heart, Life, Music by Kenny Chesney with Holly Gleason
Take the Reins: 1:1 Business Coaching for Equestrian Entrepreneurs
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