Time We Discuss: Veterans Ride Free - Successful Equine Business | Therapeutic
Watch/Listen to this Episode Veterans Ride Free - Successful Equine Business | Therapeutic
Zachary Leyden from Ocean View Stables is the focus in this episode of Time We Discuss. As a horse trainer and business owner, Zachary shares his journey from the military to running a successful equine business. After leaving the military, Zachary struggled with finding a new purpose and identity. College initially provided direction, but horses became his salvation, offering a therapeutic outlet. His passion for horses led him to transition his hobby into a career, relying on skills acquired in the military such as land navigation and resilience.
Zachary's first venture involved wilderness pack trips, blending his military background with horsemanship. This evolved into luxury pack trips and wilderness experiences for children, where he taught horsemanship and navigation skills. He eventually acquired a facility that offered various equine services, including trail rides and camps, and expanded his business model to include different facets of horsemanship. Over time, he built and sold multiple horse facilities and currently owns one in the San Francisco area.
Throughout his business journey, Zachary has faced numerous challenges, including unreliable mentors and a near-total business collapse due to COVID-19. His approach to these setbacks has been one of perseverance and adaptability. He emphasizes the importance of failing forward,
learning from each failure and turning challenges into opportunities. For instance, when a mentor failed to show up for a major event, Zachary improvised by teaching land navigation, which later became a highlight of his program.
Zachary credits much of his success to the resilience and adaptability he developed in the military, although he stresses that true growth comes from within. He approaches business with the mindset that every obstacle can be broken down into manageable tasks, which makes challenges more surmountable. His willingness to constantly learn and grow is evident in his continuous pursuit of education, particularly in areas like computer science, which has helped him streamline his business operations.
Another key aspect of Zachary's business philosophy is giving back. He allows military veterans to ride for free, hoping that horses can offer them the same therapeutic benefits they provided him. This initiative is funded by paying customers, which sustains the free rides for veterans. Additionally, Zachary is dedicated to helping others in the equine industry by offering advice and guidance to those looking to start or improve their own horse-related businesses.
Zachary's story is one of resilience, innovation, and giving back. His journey from military life to becoming a successful horse trainer and business owner highlights the therapeutic power of horses, the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges, and the value of continuous self-improvement. The lessons learned from this equine business can be used to make any business a success.
Links from the Show
Also Mentioned in the Show
Watch on YouTube Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Podcasts Other Podcast Platforms
Consider sharing this video and podcast. By helping "Time We Discuss", together, we are helping others.