Star Horses Executive Summary

Nonprofit Overview

Star Horses is a P.A.T.H. certified therapeutic horseback riding nonprofit located at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank, CA. Our mission is to enhance the well-being of people with physical, mental and emotional challenges through meaningful and effective equine therapy. With a team of highly trained and knowledgeable staff, we prioritize the safety and well-being of both our students and horses. Our horses are specifically trained and suited for therapeutic riding, ensuring a beneficial and rewarding experience for our clients.

Nonprofit Origins

Star Horses was founded with the vision of creating a safe and nurturing environment for special needs children and adults to benefit from the therapeutic qualities of interacting with and riding horses. Our board is comprised of three founding members who attended high school together: a psychologist, an accountant and an entrpreneur. Two of our board members are parents of children with special needs. Our founder, passionate about horses and their ability to positively impact individuals with special needs, established Star Horses with a mission to enhance the lives of these children and adults and their families. Over the years, we have built a strong reputation in the community for our dedication and commitment to providing high-quality therapeutic horseback riding experiences.

Uniquely Situated

Star Horses is uniquely situated due to our location at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, a premier equestrian facility. Part of Griffith Park, the Los Angeles Equestrian Center offers a peaceful bucolic setting that our participants find calming and soothing. Because Star Horses is located in Griffith Park, we are the most geographically convenient P.A.T.H. therapeutic riding program for millions of residents in Los Angeles County.

We understand the unique needs of special needs children and have developed comprehensive training programs for our staff to ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge in therapeutic horseback riding. Our horses are carefully selected and trained to provide the utmost comfort and support during therapeutic sessions. We prioritize the physical and emotional well-being of our horses, ensuring they are well-suited for therapeutic riding. This attention to detail and our deep understanding of the importance of the horse-rider connection give us a significant advantage in delivering effective therapeutic experiences.

Financial Summary

Star Horses generated $45,670 from services and donations in 2023. Operating at our current level, we project revenue $57,237 in 2024 from offering services. This projection takes into account the demand for therapeutic horseback riding services in Burbank, CA. We are hoping to raise additional funds through donations and doubling our capacity which would increase our revenue substantially.

Star Horses currently has a waiting list. With the help of donations we plan to expand from our current three day per week schedule to a six day per week schedule and increase our revenue.

We are confident in our expected future growth as we continue to build strong relationships within the community and expand our reach to serve more special needs children.

In conclusion, Star Horses is an established therapeutic horseback riding business that prioritizes the safety and well-being of our customers and horses. With our highly trained staff and well-suited horses, we are able to provide exceptional therapeutic experiences for special needs children in Burbank, CA. We have a competitive advantage in our expertise and understanding of the unique needs of our customer segment. Our projected revenue and expected future growth rate demonstrate our commitment to expanding our reach and positively impacting more lives through therapeutic horseback riding.

Situation Analysis

Industry Overview

Welcome to Star Horses, where we provide therapeutic horseback riding services in Burbank, CA. Therapeutic horseback riding offers an alternative form of therapy for special needs children and adults, combining the benefits of physical activity, emotional connection, and the unique bond between humans and horses. As an existing non-profit, we have witnessed the positive impact that our services have on the lives of our clients and their families.

The therapeutic horseback riding industry has experienced steady growth over the years, driven by the increasing recognition of the benefits it offers to individuals with special needs. According to the American Hippotherapy Association, therapeutic horseback riding has been proven to improve balance, coordination, muscle strength, and overall well-being in children with disabilities. This has led to a rise in demand for our services as more families seek out alternative therapies for their children.

In addition to the physical benefits, therapeutic horseback riding also provides emotional and psychological support. The interaction with horses can help children develop trust, build self-confidence, and enhance their social skills. As a result, our services are not only sought after by parents and caregivers but also recommended by healthcare professionals and therapists.

Our physical location allows us to provide a safe and controlled environment for our clients to engage in therapeutic horseback riding and services that are easily accessible to families in Los Angeles County.

Key Market Trends

Increasing demand for alternative therapies: The growing awareness of the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding has led to a rising demand for our services. Families are increasingly seeking out alternative therapies to complement traditional treatments for their children with special needs. We currently have a waiting list.
Collaboration with healthcare professionals: We have observed a trend where healthcare professionals, such as pediatricians, occupational therapists, and psychologists, are recommending therapeutic horseback riding as a complementary therapy. This trend further validates the effectiveness and credibility of our services.
Emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility: There is a growing emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility within the therapeutic horseback riding industry. As a result, we continuously strive to create an environment that is welcoming and accommodating to individuals with various disabilities, ensuring that our services are accessible to all.
Increasing community support: We have witnessed a surge in community support for therapeutic horseback riding programs. Many people from the area volunteer their time to assist with therapeutic horseback riding and care of our horses.
Research and innovation: The industry is constantly evolving, with ongoing research and innovation focused on improving the effectiveness of therapeutic horseback riding. This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that our services remain at the forefront of the industry, providing the best possible outcomes for our clients. We achieve this by sending our P.A.T.H. instructors to ongoing educational events and conventions to stay abreast of the latest techniques and best practices.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths:

Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our clients and horses. We have implemented strict safety protocols and ensure that our horses are well-cared for and suitable for therapeutic riding.
Our staff is highly trained and knowledgeable in therapeutic horseback riding. They possess the expertise and skills necessary to provide the best experience for our customers. Our instructors receive P.A.T.H. International training (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) which has rigorously developed standards, credentially and education. The instructor certification takes about a year.
We have a physical location in Burbank, CA at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. We are the closest therapeutic riding facility to most residents of Los Angeles County.
As an existing nonprofit, we have already established a loyal client base and have gained valuable experience in the field of therapeutic horseback riding.
We offer therapeutic horseback riding as an alternative form of therapy for special needs children. Our unique service sets us apart from traditional therapy options and provides a beneficial and enjoyable experience for our clients.

Weaknesses:

Our pricing may be too high for some medium-income families. However, we understand the importance of making our services accessible. We are an official vendor of the Lanternman Regional Center. Many families are able to receive funding for their therapeutic riding.
We rely heavily on good weather, which can affect our operations. To mitigate this weakness, we have invested in tarping our arenas and have a flexible rescheduling policy to ensure that our customers can still enjoy our services even in unfavorable weather conditions. Tarping the arenas is very expensive. The tarps cost about $3000 and have to replaced every year. Additionally, we have to hire staff to tarp and untarp, a labor intensive process. Each time it rains, it costs $720 to tarp and untarp the arena. Clients also miss out on their therapy sessions if it is raining.
Most clients are only able to come to sessions on the weekend. A horse cannot bring in enough revenue by just working two days per week. Horses need to be exercised, fed, and stabled every day so we have to allocate resources for the care of the horses on non working days.
Our clientele are often medically fragile and senstive to heat. We cannot offer sessions when the weather gets too warm. The costs of horsekeeping continue, even when Star Horses is not taking in revenue for services due to inclement weather.
We rely on volunteers to assist with therapeutic sessions. A sessions can need as many as three volunteers in addition the instructor. Finding volunteers can be challenging, especially on weekdays.
Our webpage needs to expand to include more information about our program including testimonials.
Our social media presence needs to be increased so that the community is aware of the work we do to help children and adults.

Opportunities:

Expanding our current schedule from 3 days per week to 6 days per week.
The increasing awareness of the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding presents an opportunity for us to expand our client base and reach more individuals who can benefit from our services.
Collaborating with local healthcare providers and therapists can create opportunities for referrals and partnerships, allowing us to tap into a wider network of potential customers.
Expanding our services to include additional therapeutic activities, such as equine-assisted therapy or hippotherapy, can attract a broader range of clients and diversify our revenue streams.
Utilizing digital marketing strategies and establishing an online presence can help us reach a larger audience and increase brand awareness.

Threats:

The management of our facility recently changed hands. The property is benefitting from the new managers addressing deferred maintanance and making improvements, but these changes are expensive. Star Horses anticipates a substantial increase to our rent.
Star Horses relies on volunteers to assist with sessions. As we expand into weekday offerings, finding volunteers is more difficult. We anticipate needing to hire some paid assistant trainers for weekdays to guarantee that we are adequately staffed for sessions.

Marketing

Non-Profit Objectives

Short-term Objectives

Increase our capacity to offer sessions to everyone on our waiting list by:
- purchasing additional horses
- purchasing additional equipment
- growing our volunteer base
- hiring a paid assistant instructor
Increase awareness within the Burbank community by 20% within the next year through targeted marketing campaigns, social media engagement, and partnerships with local organizations and schools.
Expand our client base by 100% within the next year by offering additional sessions. We currently offer sessions 3 days per week. Our target is to offer sessions 6 days per week.
Recruit and train more P.A.T.H. certified instructors to meet the growing demand and offer additional sessions.
Create and fund an assistant instructor position
Recruit and train more volunteers
Improve our online presence by expanding our existing user-friendly website with detailed information about our services, testimonials from satisfied customers, and a booking system to facilitate easy scheduling for our clients.

Medium-term Objectives

Establish partnerships with at least three healthcare professionals within the next three years to further promote the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding as a complementary therapy and increase referrals from the medical community.
Expand our physical location to accommodate sessions by renting more stalls at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center for our additional horses.
Develop a comprehensive outreach strategy to attract a steady stream of volunteers, possibly working with local schools.
Invest in ongoing staff training and development to ensure our team remains up-to-date with the latest advancements and best practices in therapeutic horseback riding, positioning ourselves as industry leaders within the next five years. We plan to assist two more instructors in becoming P.A.T.H. certified.

Long-term Objectives

Build a covered riding structure with built-in fans and misters so that we are able to accommodate therapeutic riding during inclement weather, including rain and heat.
Collaborate with research institutions such as local universities and experts in the field to contribute to the ongoing research and innovation in therapeutic horseback riding, aiming to develop new techniques and approaches that further enhance the effectiveness of our services within the next five years.
Become a recognized P.A.T.H. training facility in the next five years, attracting instructors from all over the Western United States to train at our facility and become accredited.
Increase our annual revenue by 250% within the next three years through strategic partnerships, diversification of services, and expansion into new markets, ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of our business.

STP

Segmentation

Segment 1: Special Needs Children (Medium-Income)

Demographics: This segment consists of special needs children residing in Los Angeles County, CA. They come from families with a medium-income level.

Customer Needs: Special needs children require alternative forms of therapy to address their specific physical, emotional, and cognitive needs. They seek activities that can improve their motor skills, boost their self-confidence, and provide a sense of enjoyment.

Purchasing Behavior: The parents or guardians of special needs children are the primary decision-makers when it comes to selecting therapeutic activities. They prioritize the safety and well-being of their children and are willing to invest in specialized services that can cater to their unique needs.

Segment 2: Special Needs Children (Low-Income)

Demographics: This segment consists of special needs children residing in Los Angeles County, CA. They come from families with a low-income level.

Purchasing Behavior: The parents or guardians of special needs children are the primary decision-makers when it comes to selecting therapeutic activities. They prioritize the safety and well-being of their children but have limited financial resources to invest in programs.

Targeting

Based on our analysis, we have chosen to target the following segments:

Segment 1: Special Needs Children and Adults (Low-Income)
Segment 2: Special Needs Children and Adults (Medium-Income)
Segment 3: Special Needs Children and Adults (High-Income)

We have selected these segments because they represent distinct customer personas with unique needs and preferences. By focusing on these segments, we can tailor our services to cater specifically to their requirements and provide a personalized and impactful therapeutic experience.

Positioning

At Star Horses, we position ourselves as a premier provider of therapeutic horseback riding services in Burbank, CA. Our aim is to be the go-to destination for special needs children and adults seeking alternative forms of therapy. Our commitment to excellence, safety, and personalized attention sets us apart from other providers in the area.

For our special needs children and adults segment, we emphasize our expertise in addressing their specific physical, emotional, and cognitive needs. Our certified instructors and specially trained horses create a safe and enjoyable environment where children can improve their motor skills, boost their self-confidence, and experience the joy of horseback riding.

By positioning ourselves as a trusted and specialized provider for these targeted segments, we aim to attract customers who value the quality, expertise, and personalized approach that Star Horses offers.

4P

Product Strategy

At Star Horses, our product strategy revolves around offering a range of therapeutic horseback riding services that cater to the unique needs of our target segments: special needs children and adults. Our products are designed to provide a safe, enjoyable, and impactful therapeutic experience, aligning with our positioning as a premier provider of therapeutic horseback riding services in Burbank, CA for residents of Los Angeles County.

Product Description

Therapeutic Horseback Riding for Special Needs Children and Adults: Our specially trained horses and certified instructors create a safe and enjoyable environment for children and adults with special needs. Through horseback riding, we aim to improve their motor skills, boost their self-confidence, and provide an alternative form of therapy.
We offer 30 minute private sessions and 45 minute semi-private sessions for two riders.

Product Differentiation

Specialized Expertise: Our certified instructors and specially trained horses set us apart from traditional horseback riding schools. We have the knowledge and experience to address the specific needs of each segment, ensuring a personalized and impactful therapeutic experience.
Safe and Enjoyable Environment: We prioritize the safety and well-being of our customers. Our horses are carefully selected and trained to provide a calm and gentle riding experience, creating a positive and enjoyable environment for therapy.
Comprehensive Approach: We take a holistic approach to therapeutic horseback riding, considering the physical, emotional, and cognitive needs of our customers. Our programs are designed to provide a well-rounded and effective therapeutic experience.

Product Development

Continuous Training and Certification: We invest in the ongoing training and certification of our instructors to ensure they stay up-to-date with the latest therapeutic techniques and best practices.
Expansion of Services: We constantly evaluate the needs of our target segments and explore opportunities to expand our services. This may include introducing new programs or partnering with healthcare professionals to offer complementary therapies.

Product Branding

Brand Identity: We have developed a strong brand identity that reflects our commitment to excellence, safety, and personalized attention. Our branding materials, including our logo, website, and marketing collateral, convey our values.
Star Horses has a lot of room to grow with increasing our brand awareness in the community.

Pricing Strategy

Pricing at Star Horses is very simple. We have one price for 30 minute privates and a second price for 45 minute semi-privates.

Service Strategy

At Star Horses, we prioritize customer satisfaction and strive to provide the highest level of service to ensure a positive and impactful therapeutic experience for our clients. Our service strategy encompasses various aspects of our business operations, including employee training, facility maintenance, and customer communication.

Star Horses offers easy to use online scheduling for our clients.

Employee Training: We understand the importance of having knowledgeable and skilled employees to deliver exceptional service. Our instructors and staff undergo extensive training to acquire the necessary expertise in therapeutic horseback riding and customer care. They are equipped with the knowledge and techniques to address the specific needs of each segment, ensuring a safe and effective therapeutic experience.

Facility Maintenance: In partnership with the management of the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, we maintain a clean, well-maintained, and safe facility to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for our clients. Regular inspections and maintenance are conducted to ensure the safety of our clients and horses. We also provide appropriate equipment and facilities to accommodate the unique needs of each segment, such as wheelchair accessibility and specialized riding equipment.

Customer Communication: Effective communication is vital in understanding and meeting the needs of our clients. We establish open lines of communication with our clients, their families, and healthcare professionals to gain insights into their specific requirements and preferences. We actively listen to their feedback and continuously improve our services based on their input. We also provide clear and transparent information regarding our services, pricing, and scheduling to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for our clients.

By implementing these service strategies, we aim to exceed our clients' expectations and build long-term relationships based on trust and satisfaction. We believe that by providing exceptional service, we can enhance the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding and contribute to the overall well-being of our clients.

Operations

Key Activities

At Star Horses, our day-to-day activities revolve around providing exceptional therapeutic horseback riding experiences to our valued customers.
Firstly, we ensure that our horses are well taken care of by providing them with proper nutrition, grooming, and exercise. This includes feeding them, dietary supplements, cleaning their stalls, daily exercise, regular farrier visits and veterinary care.
We also prioritize the safety and well-being of our clients. Before each session, we conduct thorough assessments to understand their specific needs and requirements. This involves gathering medical information, discussing goals, and addressing any concerns they may have.
During the riding sessions, our trained and experienced instructors guide the clients through various exercises and techniques. They provide personalized attention and support to ensure that each client receives the maximum therapeutic benefits from the activity.
Additionally, we maintain detailed records of each client's progress and development. This allows us to track their improvements over time and tailor the sessions accordingly.
Lastly, we continuously strive to improve our services by staying updated with the latest research and advancements in therapeutic horseback riding. We attend workshops, conferences, and training programs to enhance our knowledge and skills in this field.

2024 Fund Raising Target $105,308

Our 2024 fund raising target is $105,308 and reflects our goal to double the number of sessions we offer per week.
Investment Item 1: Horse Purchase - We will allocate $30,000 to acquire three well-trained and suitable horses for our therapeutic horseback riding program. These horses will undergo thorough evaluations and training to ensure they are safe and suitable for our clients. Purchasing a horse includes:
- Time to search for horses and contact sellers
- Traveling to look at horses for sale. Star Horses travels up to 150 miles in a day. Costs include fuel.
- Trainer evaluation to assess the suitability of a horse. Most horses are eliminated from consideration at this stage.
- Pre-purchase exam from a veterinarian. Exams cost several hundred dollars and sometimes result in a horse being eliminated from consideration.
- Trainer Hours with a newly purchased horse – horses need time to acclimate to their new home and trainer must work with them for several weeks before they are ready to be used in a Star Horses session.
Investment Item 2: Annual Veterinary Bills - We have set aside $9,000 annually to cover the veterinary expenses of our horses. This includes routine check-ups, vaccinations, and any necessary medical treatments and is based on our average $3000 annual bill per horse.
Investment Item 3: Annual Feed Bill - We have allocated $14,400 annually to provide high-quality feed and the labor to feed them. Their nutrition is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Our facility includes hay cubes in our board, but this is not a good choice for a lot of our horses.
Investment Item 4: Supplements – We have budgeted $2057 for daily supplements from SmartPak.
Investment Item 5: Annual Board - We have budgeted $25,515 annually to cover the boarding expenses of our horses. This includes stable rent, bedding, stall cleaning, and hay cubes.
Investment Item 6: Equipment Purchase - We will invest $1,040 to acquire essential equipment such as saddles, reins, helmets, and safety gear for our clients and instructors.
Investment Item 7: Assistant Trainer – We have budgeted $23,296 to hire an assistant trainer to work part-time on weekdays when it is more challenging to get volunteers to assist with sessions.

Investment Item

Cost

3 New Therapy Horses

30,000

Annual Veterinary Bills

9,000

Annual Feed Bill

14,400

Annual Supplements Bill

2057

Annual Board

25,515

Equipment Purchase

1,040

Assistant Trainer Salary

23,296

Total

105,308

Technology Strategy

At Star Horses, we recognize the potential of technology to enhance our business operations and customer experience.
We use a stable management program called ECPro that allows us clients to schedule sessions online and manage all aspects of horsekeeping in one program.
We will also utilize technology to communicate with our clients effectively. Our scheduling software sends email confirmations when sessions are booked as well as reminders 48 hours before their session.
Star Horses has room to grow with our webpage. With the help of donations we would like to improve our website and social media presence to promote our services, share success stories, and engage with our community. This online presence will serve as a platform for information exchange and customer feedback.
Lastly, we will continuously evaluate and adopt emerging technologies in the field of therapeutic horseback riding to ensure that we stay at the forefront of innovation and provide the best possible experience for our clients.

Management

Employee Roles

Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Assistant Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Office Administrator
Equine Caretaker

Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Assistant Therapeutic Riding Instructor:

The Therapeutic Riding Instructor plays a crucial role in delivering high-quality therapeutic horseback riding services to the clients of Star Horses. Their responsibilities include:

Conducting therapeutic riding sessions for individuals with disabilities or special needs.
Assessing the abilities and needs of clients to develop personalized riding programs.
Instructing clients on proper riding techniques, safety measures, and horse care.
Monitoring and evaluating clients' progress and adjusting the riding programs accordingly.
Ensuring the well-being and safety of both the clients and the horses during the sessions.
Maintaining accurate records of clients' progress, session details, and any incidents.

Candidate Requirements:

Certification as a therapeutic riding instructor or equivalent qualification.
Experience working with individuals with disabilities or special needs.
Strong knowledge of horse behavior, riding techniques, and safety protocols.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to adapt teaching methods to suit individual clients' needs.

Office Administrator:

The Office Administrator is responsible for managing the administrative tasks and ensuring the smooth operation of Star Horses' office. Their responsibilities include:

Handling incoming calls, emails, and inquiries from clients, suppliers, and partners.
Scheduling therapeutic riding sessions and managing the appointment calendar.
Maintaining client records, waivers, and other necessary documentation.
Assisting with billing, invoicing, and financial record-keeping.
Coordinating with regional centers that fund sessions for clients
Managing inventory and ordering office supplies as needed.
Purchase of required insurance
Coordinating with the Therapeutic Riding Instructor to ensure efficient session scheduling.

Candidate Requirements:

Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
Proficiency in office software and basic bookkeeping.
Excellent communication and customer service skills.
Attention to detail and ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks effectively.

Equine Caretaker:

The Equine Caretaker plays a vital role in the well-being and care of the horses at Star Horses. Their responsibilities include:

Feeding, grooming, and exercising the horses according to their individual needs.
Maintaining clean and safe stables, pastures, and riding areas.
Monitoring the horses' health and reporting any concerns to the owner or a veterinarian.
Assisting with horse training and conditioning exercises as directed.
Ensuring the availability of necessary horse supplies, such as feed and bedding.
Assisting with horse transportation for off-site activities or veterinary visits.

Candidate Requirements:

Experience in horse care and stable management.
Knowledge of equine nutrition, health, and basic first aid.
Physical fitness and ability to handle horses safely.
Attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.
Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.

With this well-structured team of employees, Star Horses can effectively deliver therapeutic horseback riding services to its clients in Burbank, CA. The Therapeutic Riding Instructor ensures the safe and personalized experience for each client, while the Office Administrator handles the administrative tasks and scheduling. The Equine Caretaker takes care of the horses' well-being, ensuring their health and safety. Together, they contribute to the overall success and growth of the business.

Finance

Star Horses was founded in 20xx. Due to the pandemic and medically fragile nature of our clients, our program started slowly.

Revenue By the Year

Includes donations and session revenue

2021 $10,000

2022 $52.868

2023 $45,008

Risk and Mitigation

At Star Horses, we understand that every business venture comes with its fair share of risks. As a provider of therapeutic horseback riding services in Burbank, CA, we have identified and developed a comprehensive Risk and Mitigation Plan to ensure the smooth operation and success of our business. 1. Risk: Health and Safety Concerns Description: As a business that involves working with horses and providing therapeutic services, the safety and well-being of our clients, employees, and horses are of utmost importance. There is a risk of accidents, injuries, or health issues occurring during horseback riding sessions. Mitigation: We will implement strict safety protocols and procedures to minimize the risk of accidents. This includes training for our employees, ensuring proper maintenance and inspection of our horses and equipment, and enforcing the use of appropriate safety gear for both clients and employees. 2. Risk: Financial Viability Description: As an existing nonprofit, it is crucial for us to maintain a steady stream of revenue to cover our operational costs. However, there is a risk of financial instability due to factors such as inclement weather, fluctuating demand, unexpected expenses, decreased funding for regional centers or economic downturns. Mitigation: We will develop a comprehensive financial plan that includes a detailed budget, revenue projections, and contingency funds. By closely monitoring our financial performance and regularly reviewing our expenses, we will be able to identify and address any potential financial issues promptly. . 3. Risk: Staffing Challenges Description: With a team of only four employees, we are highly dependent on each individual's skills and availability. There is a risk of staff turnover, illness, or other unforeseen circumstances that may disrupt our operations and impact the quality of our services. Mitigation: We will invest in our employees' professional development and create a positive work environment to enhance employee satisfaction and retention. We are looking to assist candidates in becoming P.A.T.H. certified riding instructors so that we have a larger pool of people. Additionally, we are looking to hire an assistant instructor. 4. Risk: Regulatory Compliance Description: As a therapeutic horseback riding business, we are subject to various local, state, and federal regulations. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, legal issues, or even the suspension of our operations. Mitigation: We will conduct regular reviews of applicable regulations and ensure that we are in full compliance with all requirements. This includes obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, maintaining accurate records, and implementing appropriate safety and sanitation measures. We will also stay updated on any changes in regulations and adjust our practices accordingly. 5. Risk: Reputation and Public Perception Description: Our success relies heavily on our reputation and the trust of our clients and the community. Negative publicity, customer complaints, or a lack of positive word-of-mouth can significantly impact our business. Mitigation: We will prioritize customer satisfaction and continuously strive to exceed their expectations. By providing high-quality services, maintaining open and transparent communication, and promptly addressing any customer concerns, we will build a strong reputation within the community. Additionally, we will actively engage in community outreach and partnerships to enhance our brand image and foster positive relationships. By proactively identifying and addressing these risks, we are confident that Star Horses will thrive as a provider of therapeutic horseback riding services in Burbank, CA. Our Risk and Mitigation Plan will serve as a guide to ensure the safety, financial stability, and reputation of our business.