Suzi Vlietstra's guest appearances

Suzi Vlietstra

Because of Horses

Train Your Own Horse with Stacy Westfall

Biz Soup Podcast Radio

Stacy Westfall

Barbra Schulte

Michael Hunter

Matthew Januszek

Ellen DeGeneres

Wendy Williams

Susan Conley

Sandra Day O'Connor

Jeff Bishop

Jason Feifer

Gleb Tsipursky

Dick Francis

Pat Riley

Mark Mills

Sandy Botkin

OwlTail

Suzanne Vlietstra, Suzi Vlietstra: The Perfect EntrepreneurBizSoup Podcast Radio Episode 064 with John DeBevoiseSuzanne “Suzi” Vlietstra calls herself ‘the original entremanure’ because of her lifelong love of horses and entrepreneurial innovation.Suzi started a western wear business when she was in junior high school; her Hobby Horse Clothing Company eventually became the largest supplier of western show apparel in the world and brought many innovative products to market.Competing with different types of horses over the years helped Suzi learn about her customers’ ‘stable personalities’ as she built her business which she sold a few years ago; now she lives at and runs a 60-horse boarding stable in Southern California.Listen to this information-packed BizSoup Podcast Radio episode with Suzanne Vlietstra about trying to be perfect being an entrepreneur.●   How having a passion and seeing a need are important to be an entrepreneur.●   Why you should build off of one of your existing skill sets.●   How to fine the right people to make your vision a reality.●   What the difference is between the push through and pull through distribution decision. Connect with Suzanne VlietstraWebsite hobbyhorseinc.com Facebook facebook.com/Suzanne.vlietstra   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Suzanne Vlietstra, Suzi Vlietstra: The Perfect Entrepreneur BizSoup Podcast Radio Episode 064 with John DeBevoiseSuzanne “Suzi” Vlietstra calls herself ‘the original entremanure’ because of her lifelong love of horses and entrepreneurial innovation.Suzi started a western wear business when she was in junior high school; her Hobby Horse Clothing Company eventually became the largest supplier of western show apparel in the world and brought many innovative products to market.Competing with different types of horses over the years helped Suzi learn about her customers’ ‘stable personalities’ as she built her business which she sold a few years ago; now she lives at and runs a 60-horse boarding stable in Southern California. Listen to this information-packed BizSoup Podcast Radio episode with Suzanne Vlietstra about trying to be perfect being an entrepreneur.●   How having a passion and seeing a need are important to be an entrepreneur.●   Why you should build off of one of your existing skill sets.●   How to fine the right people to make your vision a reality.●   What the difference is between the push through and pull through distribution decision. Connect with Suzanne VlietstraWebsite <a href="http://hobbyhorseinc.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hobbyhorseinc.com</a> Facebook <a href="http://facebook.com/Suzanne.vlietstra" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">facebook.com/Suzanne.vlietstra</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Suzanne Vlietstra: The Perfect Entrepreneur 

Getting into horses or returning to horses later in life can be a challenge but can also contain many hidden blessings. My guest today, Suzi Vlietstra, shares her experience of returning to horses at age 57. In her words, "So here I am, an older and wider rider hoping to recapture some of the equine magic." and another quote, "I was now a very adult rider with some unfamiliar fears..." We discuss the challenges of changing bodies, letting go of past expectations, embracing the here and now...and much more.

Getting into horses or returning to horses later in life can be a challenge but can also contain many hidden blessings. My guest today, Suzi Vlietstra, shares her experience of returning to horses at age 57. In her words, "So here I am, an older and wider rider hoping to recapture some of the equine magic." and another quote, "I was now a very adult rider with some unfamiliar fears..." We discuss the challenges of changing bodies, letting go of past expectations, embracing the here and now...and much more.

The older & wider rider - a conversation with Suzi Vlietstra

As even the most passionate horse-crazy kids grow up, life frequently takes them down career paths that don't include the animal that dominated so many of their childhood dreams. But Suzi Vlietstra's professional life couldn't have been crafted more meticulously if she'd created a blueprint in the very moment she laid eyes on her first pony, Brian -- a Christmas present from non-equestrian parents who recognized how deeply she connected with horses. That family love and involvement would go on to inspire the skills and creativity that led to Suzi's founding Hobby Horse Inc. -- the largest designer and manufacturer of western show attire in the world.   While Hobby Horse Inc. opened over 30 years ago, its true origins began in Suzi's mother's attic sewing studio, with her mom teaching Suzi to sew a wild assortment of costumes and accessories for a variety of Shetlands, Paints, hunters, and trail horses.   Join Elise and Suzi in this week’s episode to learn more about how Suzi took her business from concept to reality, her expert guidance on impressing judges in the show ring, and the role of horses in her life.   Topic of Discussion: [2:24] What Hobby Horse Inc's growth has meant to Suzi Vlietstra. [2:50] Suzi was born with the horse-loving gene. [3:09] About Suzi’s first horse: Brian the pony. [5:18] Elise shares some stories of her first pony, Barney. [6:33] More about Brian, the neighborhood celebrity pony. [7:37] Dotty the Appaloosa filly:  Suzi’s first training project. [8:15] Suzi’s early experiences and how they led to the genesis of Hobby Horse Inc. [12:45] The love of horse equipment:  every piece of tack becomes a beloved memento. [15:15] Suzi’s talent for writing: Elise reads an excerpt from Suzi's blog. [18:35] The Kentucky Horse Park and the rich history of horses. [20:21] Suzi’s writings:  from her informative "how to" posts, to what judges look for in the show ring, to her reminiscences about being a horse-crazy girl. [23:53] Selling Hobby Horse to a new owner and how the company has evolved. [27:37] The various points in time when Suzi recognized Hobby Horse's success. [30:00] How Hobby Horse has grown — from concept to thriving business, and handing it off to the next generation. [32:18] How Hobby Horse has married the strategic components of competition with the personal expression of individuals' fashion style. [35:44] Partnering with their clients:  Hobby Horse’s great website and catalog, and how they help support and educate customers. [40:05] What Suzi think judges look for in the competitive arenda. [43:44] The importance of dressing well to compete and the differences between English and Western fashion styles. [48:04] Suzi’s funny story of how she answers others' questions about what she does for a living. [49:50] The importance of looking your best during a competition. [50:37] Where to learn more about Hobby Horse and how to find Suzi online.   Know Someone Inspirational, Whose Life Has Been Forever Changed Because of Horses? Because of Horses would love to get to share their story! To recommend someone please send an email to elise@becauseofhorses.com.   Discover More About this Week’s Guests —  Suzi Vlietstra Website: Hobby Horse Incorporated Facebook: @hobbyhorseinc Phone: (800)-569-5885 Email: suzi@hobbyhorseinc.com   Mentioned in this Episode: Walter Farley Marguerite Henry Anna Sewell   Like what you hear? Because of Horses would love to hear your feedback! Please email elise@becauseofhorses.com to send Because of Horses your thoughts.   To Support the Podcast:  ● Donate on Patreon to help keep Because of Horses running — all amounts are welcome!   ● Subscribe: RSS Feed,  iTunes,  Google Play, TuneIn, Stitcher, and Player FM    For Social Media Use:

As even the most passionate horse-crazy kids grow up, life frequently takes them down career paths that don't include the animal that dominated so many of their childhood dreams. But Suzi Vlietstra's professional life couldn't have been crafted more meticulously if she'd created a blueprint in the very moment she laid eyes on her first pony, Brian -- a Christmas present from non-equestrian parents who recognized how deeply she connected with horses. That family love and involvement would go on to inspire the skills and creativity that led to Suzi's founding Hobby Horse Inc. -- the largest designer and manufacturer of western show attire in the world. While Hobby Horse Inc. opened over 30 years ago, its true origins began in Suzi's mother's attic sewing studio, with her mom teaching Suzi to sew a wild assortment of costumes and accessories for a variety of Shetlands, Paints, hunters, and trail horses. Join Elise and Suzi in this week’s episode to learn more about how Suzi took her business from concept to reality, her expert guidance on impressing judges in the show ring, and the role of horses in her life. Topic of Discussion: [2:24] What Hobby Horse Inc's growth has meant to Suzi Vlietstra. [2:50] Suzi was born with the horse-loving gene. [3:09] About Suzi’s first horse: Brian the pony. [5:18] Elise shares some stories of her first pony, Barney. [6:33] More about Brian, the neighborhood celebrity pony. [7:37] Dotty the Appaloosa filly:  Suzi’s first training project. [8:15] Suzi’s early experiences and how they led to the genesis of Hobby Horse Inc. [12:45] The love of horse equipment:  every piece of tack becomes a beloved memento. [15:15] Suzi’s talent for writing: Elise reads an excerpt from Suzi's blog. [18:35] The Kentucky Horse Park and the rich history of horses. [20:21] Suzi’s writings:  from her informative "how to" posts, to what judges look for in the show ring, to her reminiscences about being a horse-crazy girl. [23:53] Selling Hobby Horse to a new owner and how the company has evolved. [27:37] The various points in time when Suzi recognized Hobby Horse's success. [30:00] How Hobby Horse has grown — from concept to thriving business, and handing it off to the next generation. [32:18] How Hobby Horse has married the strategic components of competition with the personal expression of individuals' fashion style. [35:44] Partnering with their clients:  Hobby Horse’s great website and catalog, and how they help support and educate customers. [40:05] What Suzi think judges look for in the competitive arenda. [43:44] The importance of dressing well to compete and the differences between English and Western fashion styles. [48:04] Suzi’s funny story of how she answers others' questions about what she does for a living. [49:50] The importance of looking your best during a competition. [50:37] Where to learn more about Hobby Horse and how to find Suzi online. Know Someone Inspirational, Whose Life Has Been Forever Changed Because of Horses? Because of Horses would love to get to share their story! To recommend someone please send an email to <a href="mailto:elise@becauseofhorses.com">elise@becauseofhorses.com</a>. Discover More About this Week’s Guests —  Suzi Vlietstra Website: <a href="https://hobbyhorseinc.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hobby Horse Incorporated</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hobbyhorseinc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@hobbyhorseinc</a> Phone: (800)-569-5885 Email: <a href="%22mailto:suzi@hobbyhorsein" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">suzi@hobbyhorseinc.com</a> Mentioned in this Episode: <a href="http://theblackstallion.com/web/author/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Walter Farley</a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10652.Marguerite_Henry" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marguerite Henry</a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2530.Anna_Sewell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anna Sewell</a> Like what you hear? Because of Horses would love to hear your feedback! Please email <a href="mailto:elise@becauseofhorses.com">elise@becauseofhorses.com</a> to send Because of Horses your thoughts. To Support the Podcast: <ul> <li>● Donate on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/BecauseofHorses?alert=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> to help keep Because of Horses running — all amounts are welcome!</li> </ul> <ul> <li>● Subscribe: <a href="http://becauseofhorses" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RSS Feed</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/because-of-horses/id1298321201?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> iTunes</a>, <a href="https://play.google.com/music/m/Inceyqhrwylcynjc4h47au7gfua?t=Because_of_Horses" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Google Play</a>, TuneIn, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/because-of-horses" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, and <a href="https://player.fm/series/because-of-horses" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Player FM</a></li> </ul> For Social Media Use:

From Childhood Dreams to the Largest Western Apparel Supplier in the World with Suzi Vlietstra