Q&A Interview with Christa Myers, CE(Q)O of Equestrian Entrepreneur

How did you first become interested in bookkeeping for the equine industry, and what led you to specialize in this niche?

I caught the pony bug at a young age, and to participate in the sport, I had to exchange work for experience since affording it with money wasn’t an option. Growing up, I saw the reality of equestrian entrepreneurship long before I fully understood what I was witnessing—but I still dreamed of becoming an equine professional.

After being told that university was the safest path, I set aside those professional horse-related dreams, pursuing an adult amateur career while juggling corporate jobs and school. It was during this time—while going through college and working full-time—that I discovered how many equestrian and equine entrepreneurs struggled with managing their finances.

I initially focused on business analysis, which is all about creating better operations and business strategies. But I quickly realized that without changing how equine business owners think about and manage money, I couldn’t create sustainable, long-lasting changes. That’s when I married business analysis with bookkeeping—combining strategy with practical financial management. Now, I help equestrian entrepreneurs align their passion with profit, empowering them to build sustainable businesses that thrive both in the saddle and on paper.

What services do you offer?

Through Equestrian Entrepreneur, I offer a range of services designed specifically for equestrian business owners. These include traditional bookkeeping services, profit strategy sessions, and business mentorship programs. One of my key offerings is the CEQO Mentorship, which blends bookkeeping support with strategic business coaching to help entrepreneurs build profitable, sustainable businesses.

I also provide full-service bookkeeping to handle day-to-day financial tasks, ensuring my clients stay organized and on track. For those just starting or needing to streamline their processes, I offer QuickBooks Online (QBO) setup and training, empowering business owners to confidently manage their finances.

Additionally, Equestrian Entrepreneur offers online bookkeeping and business courses that help equestrian entrepreneurs make more, keep more, and ride more—at their own pace and a lower cost than 1:1 services. I also host workshops, courses, and masterminds to help equine professionals master sales, pricing, cash flow, and other essential business skills through a financial focus.

Can you describe some financial challenges that equine businesses face that might not be present in other industries?

One unique challenge is the seasonal nature of many equine businesses. Revenue often fluctuates with show seasons, clinics, or events, meaning business owners need to carefully manage cash flow during slower months. Stabilizing revenue is just as important as protecting profit. I’ve worked with equestrian business owners in every corner of the industry to help them create offers that support both their top and bottom lines—because, as equestrians, we understand the importance of a holistic approach. While fluctuating revenue isn’t absolutely unique, the expensive bills that continue with horses even when revenue slows are.

Balancing passion, profit, and peace is another challenge. The horse industry makes money from a living being—horses—and without profit, it becomes difficult to keep up with their care. This can place significant financial stress on owners, lead to burnout for equestrian entrepreneurs, and compromise the well-being of both the business and the horse. Financial stability ensures horses receive the care they need, owners stay afloat, and entrepreneurs maintain the energy and passion required to sustain their business and personal well-being.

In your experience, what are common bookkeeping mistakes made by equine businesses, and how can they be avoided?

A common mistake I see is blending personal and business finances, which makes it difficult to track profitability and plan effectively. This often leads to confusion around how much money the business is actually making and can cause issues during tax season. That’s why I encourage equine entrepreneurs to 'untangle their financial reins' by keeping separate bank accounts for personal and business use.

Another mistake is inconsistent record-keeping. Many business owners get caught up in day-to-day operations and neglect their bookkeeping until tax season, but I’ve seen some equestrian entrepreneurs avoid 'tax season' altogether for multiple years while building their business or facing financial challenges. They’re kicking the problem down the aisle, but it’s a problem that could take their dreams out just when they feel like they’ve finally made it. Regular financial tracking and staying on top of taxes ensures they don’t run into major issues down the line.

Finally, I’ve seen some equestrian businesses operate without clear cash flow tracking, leaving them vulnerable to shortfalls—especially during slow seasons or unexpected expenses. If business owners are going to ignore their bookkeeping for a while, it’s essential they still keep personal and business bank accounts separate, save all receipts, and update their bookkeeping software. That way, when they’re ready to get back on track, the information they need is organized and ready to record properly.

What is the best way to contact you if someone would like to work with you?

The best way to get in touch is through my website, equestrianentrepreneur.ca, where you can book a consultation or dive into free resources and guest podcast episodes.

You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Pinterest at @equestrianentrepreneur, to follow my journey and reach out directly. I’m always happy to chat about how we can work together to build a profitable and sustainable equestrian business.