HORSEBNB: Your ‘On the Go’ Boarding Resource
Download the FREE HorseBnB app or visit online and travel with confidence.
Breaking down as a driver used to be scary, but thanks to a smartphone and roadside assistance, plus other apps – help is a touch away. Now, let’s add a horse trailer to that scenario and things start to get more complicated. Not only do you have to get your trailer moving or get a backup trailer to move you, but now you need stabling. Luckily, there is an app for that! The Tech Equestrian had the chance to speak with founder, Laura Baker and Allyssa Baird, co-owner, from HorseBnB on their tried and tested solution of connected equestrians ‘on the go’ from short to long term board and everything in between.
A Leg Up
Laura recalled when she was living in Hawaii and was lying in bed trying to figure out how to get to a horse show that was a distance away and thinking there had to be an easy and better way to find places to stay with her horse. “I thought, there needs to be an app that makes finding a stable on a moment’s notice for those who may not have time to plan or have an emergency,” she said.
HorseBnB Founder Laura Baker
Laura has been riding horses ever since she was a young girl and got an early start competing by joining Pony Club. “I was thirteen when I got my first Arabian horse and started training for horse shows,” she shared. Dedicated and talented, Laura soon advanced to the regional and then national level showing Arabians. Now living in Idaho, she spends her time with her new horse and daughter along with working on making the HorseBnB a well-known brand and solution in the horse world.
Crossed Paths
Allyssa has a similar background to Laura by having horses apart of her life very early on. Allyssa also showed Arabians and was competing at the national level and became friends with Laura through some mutual “horse” friends. “I own a 14-acre farm in Oregon, caring for 20 horses along with handling the marketing and development for HorseBnB,” said Allyssa. The team recently rebranded by creating a new logo and updated website. “We run most of our awareness on social media but are working on an ad plan in addition to becoming more visible at horse shows.”
Allyssa Baird, co-owner of HorseBnB
Membership Driven
“To create a membership for either a user or host, you’ll need to follow the prompts,” said Laura. There is no charge to sign up, but there is a booking fee once a transaction is confirmed. The app and online version allow users to book short term, monthly board, guest accommodations, and horse adventures. “We have more than 1,000 users across the US and growing,” said Allyssa.
The user friendly interface greets equestrians on the HorseBnB home page.
The User Experience
As a user, you’ll enter your information including location, dates, and number of stalls for the system to search for options. If you find something that looks interesting or immediately fits your needs, you click on the ‘more details’ which takes you to a dedicated page with host information, amenities, pricing, reviews and more. You then make your reservation and will receive a confirmation with address location and contact details. “We just integrated a full messaging platform and are also encouraging our users (guests and hosts) to write reviews, which helps create a higher level of service from the hosts and adds another layer of feeling rest assured you are choosing the right place to stay,” said Allyssa.
Next Generation
“There is a big push with the younger trainers to start leveraging technology on so many levels,” said Laura. “Digital is the future, and we know that not only riders but those in the ecosystem are starting to embrace what it can do for horses.”
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