MARCH/APRIL 2018 THE RIDER /45 From Plan to Practice – Using Equine Studies Online to Advance Your Career Finland resident Kirsty
Williamson started the Equine Studies Online program at the University of Guelph with no formal business plan in mind. It was her instructor, Tracy Dopko, who really helped bring her idea to life. “The Marketing and Communi-
cations course has been a great launching point to change careers and has actively helped me dream up ideas. Tracy is one of those rare inspi- rational people who sees the possibil- ities in people’s dreams and helps develop that dream by openly sharing her own experience and advice.” Many students wonder why they need to enrol in business courses when they are not currently running a business; but, understanding the ins and outs of running an equine business is funda- mental for anyone working within the industry. “Business training isn’t just for
people who own their own business,” explains Dopko. “It includes under- standing how to communicate suc- cessfully, utilize business etiquette, improve customer service and presen- tation skills, effectively manage time, promote your business, and make the best use of your advertising budget.” The Marketing & Communica-
tions in the Equine Industry course takes students through an exploration of traditional, digital, and social media marketing tactics proven to build prof- itable customer relationships. Dopko aims to de-bunk some of the myths out of marketing a business to ensure stu-
Tracy Dopko, Equine Studies program instructor.
dents get the most out of this course. “Marketing your equine busi-
ness is so much more than just adver- tising,” emphasizes Dopko. “With the right guidance and tools in place, it can mean the difference between a business that fails and one that thrives.” Equine Studies Online programs allow students from around the globe to ex- change ideas and understand how equine businesses operate in different
parts of the world. “My classmates have such inter-
esting ideas and I really believe that the open learning environment is a great way to build a network of con- tacts for us all,” says Williamson. Kirsty Williamson is currently
setting up the framework of her busi- ness idea, and Tracy Dopko is cur- rently teaching and inspiring another class of bright equine students. Join them in this award-winning
program from the Univer- sity of Guelph, one of the top universities in Canada. Courses begin each January,
May and September. Visit the website at
www.EquineStudiesOn-
line.ca or send an email to
Western Ontario Region Pony Club
Located in Western Ontario, we are a region of the Canadian Pony Club dedicated to encouraging youth
leadership, responsibility and compassion through education and
stable/horse management. We hold annual Region wide competitions in Quiz, D Rally, A/B/C Rally,
Tetrathlon, Dressage, Show Jumping, Prince Philip Games, and Le Trec. Now accepting memberships
P: (905) 330-8078
E:
wor@canadianponyclub.org wor.ponyclub.ca
info@OpenEd.uoguelph.ca
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