24 Apr Why Horse Farms Need to Be on YouTube: The Untapped Power of Video in Equestrian Marketing
According to Google, YouTube reaches more 18- to 49-year-olds in the United States than all cable TV networks combined. Let that sink in. Every day, your potential clients—parents of young riders, adult amateurs, horse owners, aspiring competitors—are spending hours on YouTube, learning, dreaming, and researching. And if your farm isn’t showing up there, someone else is.
In the rapidly shifting world of digital marketing, horse farms and equestrian businesses are often left behind. While other industries have jumped headfirst into video, particularly on YouTube, many horse-related businesses are still relying on outdated or inconsistent marketing methods—often word of mouth or a rarely updated Facebook page. But the numbers don’t lie: if your horse farm isn’t going strong on YouTube, you’re missing one of the most powerful marketing tools available today.
The Dominance of YouTube in 2025
YouTube isn’t new. It’s been around since 2005. But its power has only grown. Today, YouTube is:
- The second most visited website in the world (after Google)
- The second largest search engine
- Home to over 2.7 billion active users
- Available in over 100 countries and 80+ languages
Unlike TikTok or Instagram, where content vanishes in hours or days, YouTube videos are evergreen. That means if you upload a useful, interesting, or visually engaging video, it can bring you views—and potential clients—for years to come.
Evergreen vs. Ephemeral Content
One of the biggest reasons horse businesses should focus on YouTube is the difference between ephemeral and evergreen content.
- Instagram Reels and TikTok videos might go viral for a day but rarely drive traffic after that.
- Facebook posts often die off within 24 hours.
- YouTube videos, on the other hand, show up in search results, get recommended by algorithms, and can grow slowly over time.
For example, a video titled “What to Pack for Your First Horseback Riding Lesson” or “How to Prepare for Pony Club Ratings” could bring new riders to your farm for years.
Why Horse Farms Are Perfect for YouTube
Horse farms have something many industries don’t: incredibly visual, emotionally resonant content. From sunlit arenas and the sound of hoofbeats to the bond between children and ponies, there’s no shortage of cinematic moments.
Here’s the kind of content horse farms could easily turn into powerful YouTube videos:
- “Day in the Life” at the Farm
- Beginner Horseback Riding Tips
- Tour of Your Facility
- Meet the Horses series
- Parent Testimonials
- Horse Show Prep Tutorials
- “How We Care for Our Horses”
- Horse Breeds and Training Styles Explained
- Summer Camp Highlights
- Rider Progress Stories
These videos not only tell your story, but also build trust, educate viewers, and bring your farm into the hearts and minds of new families.
YouTube Builds Long-Term Authority
Publishing consistent, helpful YouTube videos creates a digital footprint that grows stronger over time. This isn’t just about social media—it’s about search engine optimization (SEO) and brand equity.
Here’s what YouTube content can do for your business:
- Improve your Google rankings (Google owns YouTube)
- Establish you as a local expert in horseback riding, horse care, or equine sports
- Build your email list by linking to downloadable guides or contact forms
- Drive long-tail traffic to your lesson program, summer camps, or boarding services
YouTube Content Never Stops Working
Imagine posting a video today and having it bring in a new client 18 months later. That’s the power of evergreen video content.
A video like “10 Things Every First-Time Horse Parent Should Know” doesn’t expire. It speaks to a need that parents and new riders will have for the next decade. And while you sleep, YouTube’s algorithm is recommending it to new viewers.
Compare that to a Facebook post. After 24 hours, it’s buried. Instagram? Maybe 48 hours. TikTok? Even less.
YouTube is the library of video content. It’s where people go to learn, and it’s where your horse business should be.
It’s Not About Perfection. It’s About Consistency.
You don’t need expensive gear or editing software to get started. In fact, some of the most successful equestrian YouTubers film on their phones. What matters is:
- Clarity of message
- Good lighting and audio
- A clear title and thumbnail
- Consistency (posting once per week or even twice a month)
If you can teach something, tell a story, or offer a behind-the-scenes look at farm life, you already have what it takes to succeed.
How to Get Started with YouTube for Your Horse Business
Here’s a basic roadmap:
- Create a YouTube channel branded with your farm’s name and logo.
- Use a consistent thumbnail style (Canva is great for this).
- Plan non-selfish content in series, like “Riding Tips for Parents” or “How to Import a Horse from Europe.”
- Film with your smartphone. Use a tripod and natural lighting.
- Keep videos under 10 minutes, especially when starting out.
- Include calls to action, like “Visit our website at [https://yoursite.com] to schedule a tour” or “Go to [https://yoursite.com/tips] to get our free tips & tricks sheet for new horse riders.”
- Cross-promote on Instagram, Facebook, and your email list.8
- Reply to comments to encourage engagement.
Don’t Just Sell—Educate and Inspire
The most effective horse farm videos don’t scream “enroll now!” Instead, they offer value.
For example:
- A tack shop could post “How to Fit a Saddle for a Growing Child”
- A vet clinic might share “Signs of Colic Every Owner Should Know”
- A riding school could explain “Why Kids Who Ride Become More Confident”
When your videos teach, help, or entertain, they’ll naturally lead to inquiries, bookings, and shares.
YouTube Shorts: The Gateway Drug to Your Channel
Worried about your first long-form video? Start with YouTube Shorts. These under 60-second vertical videos are perfect for:
- Quick horse grooming tips
- Before and after clips
- Barn tour sneak peeks
- Highlight reels from shows
YouTube is pushing Shorts hard, and they’re a great way to gain new subscribers who can then discover your long-form content.
Upload Shorts via the YouTube Shorts camera in the mobile app, or use #Shorts in the title/description when uploading manually.
YouTube as a Tool for Promoting the Horse Industry
This isn’t just about your business. It’s about promoting the entire equestrian industry. Horse sports need visibility. Horse ownership is misunderstood. Riding lessons are often viewed as elitist or inaccessible.
Your YouTube videos can change that.
By showcasing compassion, horsemanship, and the joy of barn life, you’re shaping the public’s view of the horse world. And every video you post is a vote for a future where horses are seen, valued, and protected.
Final Thoughts: Your Farm Deserves to Be Seen
You don’t need to be an influencer. You don’t need a million subscribers. What you need is the willingness to start.
YouTube is one of the most powerful tools for educating, inspiring, and growing your equestrian business. And with content that lasts for years—not hours—it’s one of the smartest long-term strategies you can adopt.
If your farm has a story, a mission, or a lesson to teach, the world is ready to watch. Hit record.
Want help brainstorming video ideas or setting up your channel? Text the team at Kristina Derby Consulting at (203) 990-1259—we’re helping horse businesses around the country unlock the power of video.
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Go to https://kristinaderby.com for more horse business marketing education.
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