Black Pearl Horses
Bringing people and horses closer together.
Lauren Woodbridge first mounted a horse at the age of 18 months. Twenty years later in 2011, she established Black Pearl Horses with a mission to connect horses with people and a way of earning a living from her skills and experiences. Principal activities of the business are horse-riding lessons, competitions and training and rehabilitation of horses.
Lauren has been selected to compete at the World’s Mounted Games Championship in Wales in July 2012. This year is set to be a big year for this young woman as she also looks to buy an 85 acre property where she will be able to rescue and raise horses and organise more camps and competitions for young people. She currently is working with riders aged seven to forty.
Starting up the business
I came to a moment in my life were I had to choose between working fulltime and taking my work with horses to the next level. I quit my job that day and haven’t looked back.
Receiving a microcredit loan
The loan gave me the financial breathing room to allow me to invest in a horse truck which helped me greatly expand my reach and capabilities. Receiving a microcredit loan gave me the opportunity for growth when needed.
Creating a sustainable business
I have put a lot of thought into making my business sustainable as I believe it is the only way to move forward successfully. While I have built my business around my passion for horses, quality is a key element of Black Pearl Horses. As such, over the years, I have built a base of horses that I have bred or raised myself. Their quietness and responsiveness implant themselves on a herd very quickly and to that herd I introduce my rescues who quickly pick up the trust already in place. As they learn they gradually take their place in the herd at which point a new home can be found for one of the more experienced horses. This ensures consistent quality over time as well as continual improvement and quality within the herd.
The Brilliant Idea Program
Through participation in the program, I have been encouraged to develop financial management systems and a heightened view of the value of my time and expertise. Both of these lessons have been invaluable.
Top Tips
Be sure of yourself and your worth.
Look before you leap but don’t let the height stop you.
What next?
World domination - and also achieving my dream of owning a property and helping me to reach as yet unexplored opportunities for my business.
I am interested in establishing a program for disadvantaged and disabled people of all ages. As I myself was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome at a young age and as one of five children, my parents always had to work so hard to give us all the best they could. I can understand what it’s like to live in both worlds and know personally the difference it made to have horses share that life with me.
Contact details: Lauren Woodbridge, Black Pearl Horses
Mobile: 0435 511 951,
Email: laurenwoodbridge [at] hotmail [dot] com
Website: blackpearlhorses.webs.com
Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/120659191349415
