The Equestrian Influencer: From Stunts to Liberty with Georgia Plimbley

The Equestrian Influencer: From Stunts to Liberty

In this episode, I talk to Georgia Plimbley, a renowned equestrian influencer and trick rider. We discuss Georgia’s journey from Pony Club to  professional horsewoman in the film industry. Georgia shares insights into her work as a stunt rider and her passion for liberty training. we also talk about the challenges and rewards of being an equestrian influencer in today’s social media landscape.

The role of social media in the equestrian industry

As mentioned, Georgia is an equestrian influencer with a sizeable following, and I was interested in exploring Georgia’s views on the role of social media when it comes to the equestrian industry in broad terms, but also how to raise awareness across the industry and encourage new riders into the sport. The subject of diversity and inclusivity is also discussed – such important topics.

With a career as demanding a Georgia’s from the stunt riding point of view, it’s hard to imagine she has time for anything else, but she’s also a mum and has a family, so we explore ‘the juggle’ and how to balance everything as well as possible.

There’s no denying that Georgia is passionate about liberty training, something that until fairly recently wasn’t that well publicised, and yet there’s been a surge in recent times. We look at how this aligns with the equestrian industry moving forward as well as how mental health and wellbeing should be priorities for all equestrians.

Key Takeaways:

  • Georgia’s career path: From Pony Club to trick riding and film work, Georgia’s passion for horses has driven her career.
  • The importance of horse training: Georgia emphasises the importance of a strong foundation in horse training for all disciplines.
  • The challenges of being an influencer: Georgia discusses the complexities of navigating the influencer world, including the pressure to maintain a consistent online presence, the challenges of dealing with negative comments, and the potential for objectification.
  • The power of authenticity: Georgia stresses the importance of being authentic in your online content to connect with your audience.
  • The future of equestrianism: Georgia shares her hopes for the future of equestrianism, including increased awareness of liberty training, improved mental health support for equestrians, and greater diversity and inclusivity within the sport.

Want to find out more about Georgia (of course you do!) fine her on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

/by
, , ,

Behind the scenes at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials with Katrina Midgley

katrina midgley

Behind the scenes at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials with Katrina Midgley

Whether you’re a horse enthusiast or not, you’ll recognise Stable Events as the masterminds behind  Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials and other prestigious events like The Game Fair. On this episode, we catch up with the lady behind the eventing side of Blenheim- Katrina Midgley.

On this episode of the podcast, Katrina shares her fascinating journey from Pony Club beginnings to becoming a pivotal figure in event management. She talks about how her early experiences at events like Badminton and Burghley, combined with her work with TRMG producing show guides for major events like Royal Windsor Horse Show and Olympia, paved the way for her current role. Through TRMG, she got involved with The Game Fair, and her passion for event management has only grown since.

What’s it like to be in event management?

Katrina gives us an insider’s look at what it takes to organise large-scale events. From managing operations, marquees, infrastructure, and water, to overseeing various aspects of Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials and The Game Fair, her role is both challenging and rewarding. The key to success? A strong, capable team and the ability to think on your feet.

And now for Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials…

We delve into the special allure of Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials. Blenheim offers a closer, more intimate experience with riders and horses compared to other events. The beautiful venue, with its iconic bridge over the lake and stunning palace backdrop creates an unforgettable atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a day filled with equestrian sports, shopping, and scenic views as well as additional attractions to keep all the family amused. This year, the team is also introducing new features, to mark Stable Events’ first year organising the event…

Interactive Talks and Demonstrations: In this new talk area, visitors can learn from the best and get involved in discussions about topical issues in the horse world.
Evening with Geoff Billington: Showjumper Geoff Billington will be entertaining equestrian enthusiasts in an evening event after the main show has closed.
Innovative Course Design: The 100 now incorporates a water complex, situated in the heart of the retail area, thanks to the collaborative efforts of course designer David Evans. This adds an exciting new element for riders and spectators.

With so many events- why visit Blenheim in September?

Whether you’re a die-hard horse trials fan or just looking for a fun day out, Blenheim offers something for everyone. From getting up close to your equestrian heroes to enjoying a picturesque picnic by the lake, the event promises a memorable experience.

Thank you for listening to the Small and Supercharged podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends. Stay tuned for more exciting episodes!

/by
,

Thinking of rebranding? Listen to this first!

Thinking of rebranding? Listen to this first!

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been discussing one of the most interesting (and, let’s be honest, slightly random) rebrands I’ve encountered—Twitter’s transformation into X. Elon Musk, the man behind this rebrand, is an impressive entrepreneur with an amazing record, but I was keen to get under the skin of this one and thought what better way than on the podcast… let’s go…

Twitter’s Rebrand to X

There are a few points to this podcast- the key talking points you’ll hear are around…

A rebranding overview: Twitter’s change to X breaks conventional rebranding rules, making it a particularly interesting case study. We’ll explore the strategy behind this move and what it means for the platform’s future.

The vision: It would seem that Elon is looking to evolve and develop Twitter into something much more expansive than just a social media platform. We’ll discuss his potential ambitions and what this could mean for users.

Why rebrand?: Companies rebrand for various reasons, including evolution, development, and sometimes to distance from past negative reputations. We’ll explore these motivations in depth.

What do you need to think about before you rebrand?: Before jumping into a rebrand, it’s crucial to understand why you’re doing it and ensure it’s not just out of boredom. A successful rebrand requires clear objectives and a solid plan to communicate these changes to your audience.

What makes a successful or unsuccessful rebrand?: We’ll look at examples of both successful and less successful rebrands. Factors that contribute to success include maintaining some consistent elements from the old brand to help with recognition and continuity.

What are consistent elements of a brand and why do these matter in a rebrand?: Brands like Apple have managed to evolve while keeping core elements intact, ensuring brand recognition remains high.

Tips for a Successful Rebrand

1. Why are you doing it?: Clearly define the reason for your rebrand. Whether it’s to modernise, shift direction, or target a new audience, knowing why you’re doing it will guide the entire process.
2. Consistency is key: Keep some elements of the old brand to ensure recognition. This can be the colour palette, fonts, or logo elements.
3. Communication really does matter: Ensure your audience understands the reasons behind the rebrand and how it benefits them. Buy-in from your customers and stakeholders is crucial in the success of a rebrand.

Rebrands are complex but necessary for growth and adaptation in a changing market. By understanding the reasons behind them and maintaining some consistency, businesses can navigate rebrands successfully. It’s going to be really interesting to see how Twitter/X’s rebrand goes, and the potential impact it will have on the brand.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Small and Supercharged Podcast. If you have any questions or want to discuss this further, join our community or Mastermind Group!

Small & Supercharged Book

/by
, , ,

Let’s talk about BETA International

Let’s talk about BETA International

BETA International is the UK’s trade show for equestrian and country businesses. It takes place in September, is held at Stoneleigh, and is a great place to network, see new products, and speak to the people behind the best known brands in the equestrian and country community. On this episode of the podcast, I caught up with Claire Williams, Executive Director of the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA), the association that owns BETA International, to find out what the 2023 event has in store for anyone attending.

BETA International Claire Williams

BETA International- the equestrian industry’s UK trade show

Did you know that BETA International has been running for over 40 years?! No, I’m embarrassed to say that I didn’t either. Claire shares lots about the trade show in this episode of the podcast, so let’s dive in, shall we…


Background of the Trade Show:

BETA International is a real staple of the equestrian and country trade sector, being the only one of its type in the UK. We talk about the evolution of the show over the last 40 years, and why and how the trade show moved and adapted during Covid-19.

Transition to Stoneleigh Venue:

BETA International used to be at the NEC, but moved to the NAEC at Stoneleigh a few years ago. We talk about why Stoneleigh works so well for exhibitors and visitors alike, and how it’s a familiar venue for equestrians and country folk due to the other shows, societies and more that are based there.

Importance of Networking:

Networking is a crucial aspect of any trade show, and we talk about the amount of opportunities to connect with industry peers and stay updated on developments that BETA International provides. We also talk about the relaxed atmosphere at Stoneleigh and how this continues to create really great interactions with visitors and exhibitors alike.

Understanding the Trade Show:

The role of BETA International, in fact, any trade show, has evolved as time has passed. Now, it serves as a platform for suppliers to showcase their products to retailers and industry professionals, to network and consolidate relationships, rather than to solely gather forward orders for the next season. For attendees, they can explore new launches, innovations, and participate in educational seminars. It’s not just about placing orders.

It’s all about the exhibitors

Exhibitors and their stands make up a key part of the show and offer insights into new products and innovations, sharing best sellers, and catching up with their customers. Claire also talked about some memorable stands from past events as well as innovative equestrian products.

Role of Sponsors:

BETA International is sponsored by Neue Schule, and we talk about how sponsors support and benefit from association with the show. We look at things like alignment and why sponsorship should be mutually beneficial to ensure maximum value for all concerned.

Horse & Rider New Product Showcase:

The New Product Showcase, sponsored by Horse and Rider magazine, showcases innovative products and technologies and is a real hub of the event. New products are placed into relevant categories and then are judged by retailers and industry experts for their market potential. The designated area also means that visitors can come and see what’s new up close and read about it before heading over to the relevant stand for more information.

CPD Opportunities:

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) seminars offer attendees opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge and are part of BETA International’s programme that attendees can enjoy for free. Speakers cover a range of topics relevant to equestrian retailers, providing valuable insights. Every year, the schedule is carefully planned to deliver variety and value, so there’s something (well, many things!) for everyone. And it’s all absolutely free!

If you’re an equestrian, country or pet business, make sure BETA International is firmly in your calendar. I’m lucky enough to work with this fab organisation, so I am a bit biased, but it’s THE place to be this September- you won’t regret it…

To find out more about BETA International- look into getting a stand, register to attend, to anything else, make sure you check out the website here.

/by