Building a website for an equestrian facility?

I like to see a video of the Amish raising the barn. That way you know it's a quality build.

I strongly believe that first impressions are super important, so first things first: a professional, organized layout and readable font are super important!

I want a list of things that I as a boarder/leasee/lesson student can use (indoor arena, outdoor arena, wash stall w/ hot water, a locker, bathroom, hay (round bales or squares?), grain, etc).

I also want pictures of all the facilities (preferably in use) and facts about them (size, location, age, footing, material built from, etc.). I would also like pictures of the horses that are boarded there, because that gives me an idea of the care that the horses are receiving.

I also want a page that offers different lesson plans, the discipline of lessons provided, and a bio on the instructor. I would like to know what age/riding level of horses and riders that these lessons target.

Be sure to include prices for everything! Lessons, pasture and stall board, blanketing, trailer parking, supplements, etc.

I would also like the name of the main veterinarian and farrier.

Most importantly, I want a website that is realistic to the state of the barn. If you do not have wood fencing, don't put a pic of it on your website. Show me the fencing you DO have.

This is what I consider a good website:

http://www.ccstables.com/home.html

It's professional, provides lots of photos (though it could have more), prices, all of the amenities, names of the vet and farrier, and lessons (though I wish they had listed pricing).

DO

-pictures, pictures, pictures! But don't make a mile long page of pictures, divide into 2-4 galleries and perhaps use a photo viewer.

-post rates for lessons, board, extra costs, etc (I hate finding a nice facility and then I go to look at prices and its says "contact for more information and prices" because 80% of the time its a total waste of time to call because either no one will answer or its way out of my price range)

-coaches' names/certification

-amenities (WiFi, showers, wash stalls, lounge/viewing room, indoor arena size, lockers, etc)

-hours of operation and best time to call

-contact info and ADDRESS

-show schedule, fees, etc (same for clinics)

DON'T

-say you have things you don't (ex. heated viewing rooms)

-show pictures of muddy paddocks, dirty stalls, unswept aisles

-use glittery/flashy or any other kind of GIFs (for the love of god)

-tell me the names of all the boarders' horses, especially on the front page. On its own page, maybe.

Things that will turn me off a barn

- pictures of dirty arenas, stalls, muddy paddocks, horses with mud halfway up their barrels, ripped anything, BROKEN FENCES, any obvious hazards, etc.

- poorly organized website (if I can't even tell that you offer boarding, you're in trouble)

- sparkles. Only acceptable if the site is fictional and created by an 11 year old.

- skinny horses, or dirty lesson horses being ridden, unkempt lesson horses, ripped blankets

- no address (how can I know if you're close enough for me to bother?), contact info (phone or email, both is best)

You should include pictures that include lotss of details

Make sure that the pictures are clear and taken from a good angle

Make sure you also include clear details

Don't put large paragraphs full of info

Make the info quick and to the point

Also make the easy to navigate and include how the barn was establisde

what you teach

different skiill levels

boarding fees

what 4-h (important)

Costs are important

make the wesite flashy yet sophisticated

I had to do a lot of barn site searching for boarding my horse. Here's what I liked/disliked about websites.

Like:

--Matching colors, good layout, easy to read, etc.

--Separate tabs for boarding, training, about, etc.

--Pictures or a "gallery". Captions are important, i.e, "barn 1, wash rack 1" etc.

--Horses that are clean

--Riders that are presentable, nice appearance

*depending on the type of facility you are planning on operating, it's key to show quality images/videos of people who look professional*

Dislike:

--Glitter, flashy things, moving things, music

--Unkept horses/facilities

--People wearing poor outfits while riding/poor riding

--People standing on horses, children not wearing helmets

Hope this helps. Remember that first impressions matter!

LOTS of pics is agreed! (of the horses, facilities, 4-H meetings...)

Description of your services:

How much per lesson/ month for board/ training/ 4-H?

Any discounts for allowing your horse to be used in schooling?

What's included with the board/lesson/training?

What do you do at 4-H meetings?

What's so special about your place compared to the one down the street?

etc...

Make it look professional! Don't have glitter banners, fun cursors etc... that stuff looks cheesy, is distracting and a total deal breaker.

Details about your horses - parents want to make sure their kids are safe with well trained horses.

Details about yourself - sure you have a facility, but that doesn't mean anything. What experience do you have training/4-H? What degrees do you have? How long have you been riding? etc...

http://web.mac.com/scottnash/iWeb/MajesticStables/... - semi decent, not very informative, but http://www.marmonvalley.com/index.htm is better

Do NOT do this...PLEASE for the love of god: http://www.allstarhorsefarm.com/

@ Donald I have to be....they're and embarrassment to my state lol.

LOTS OF PICTURES!!!!! :) I would want to see what the farm's focus is on and their philosophies on horse care and instruction. Also have bio pages on all the people that will be working with students and caring for the horses so that people know their horses and kids are in good hands. I don't like if a barn comes across as snobby,for example it's fine to have a show team and be proud of accomplishments but just word it appropriately so that people feel welcome to try out for it, and that people would feel welcome at your farm even if they are beginners or not very good riders

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I want to see photos and lots of them. The barn, the aisle ways, the stalls, wash stalls, tack rooms, changing rooms, lounge etc. I want to see photos of the surrounding country side and Google Earth photos or the area. I want photos of the ring and the indoor along with the measurements. I want a list of all activities available, history of any instructors and reviews from people who know you and the instructor. I want a detailed list of all services provided and the exact cost. I want to know what extra services are available and the exact cost of each. I don't want much

@Uliandrqa - don't be too hard on them. They are from Ohio.

I'd like to see videos of a horse being trained....just something simple, like a riding maneuver or a trail ride or something to show the good training skills of the trainer there.

I like lots of pictures and details. prices.

Testimonials.