INSTAGROOMS: Modernizing the Service Needs of the Horse Industry
Finding service providers for your horse can be challenging, and relying solely on "word of mouth" has its limitations. This can be especially true for horse owners who are focused on competing, have recently moved to a new area, or are returning to riding as adults after a break from their junior years. As the equestrian world evolves, seeing more riders embracing technology to simplify their experience is encouraging. Danielle Burgess, the Founder and CEO of Instagrooms, aims to create a comprehensive solution as a one-stop source for all equine service needs.
The Solution Comes to Life
Danielle is a lifelong equestrian with a diverse background in the horse industry, having worked as a freelance groom, coach, rider, breeder, and entrepreneur. With years of hands-on experience, she recognized a need for a platform that would make it easy to find skilled and on-demand horse care professionals. “The idea came to me eight years ago when I realized there was no easy way to search for service providers in our field,” Danielle explained. After several years of planning, finding the right developers, and conducting a year of beta testing, the Instagrooms platform has finally become a reality. “It takes persistence and determination, but I’m proud to offer a fully functioning gig platform for the equine industry.” Currently servicing the US and Canada, Instagrooms is designed for the everyday horse owner. “We currently have more than 1,000 people who have signed up with 70% posting their services and 30% looking for services,” said Danielle.
Easily navigate to find the right service provider for your needs.
How it Works – for Service Providers
To post a listing, you’ll need to create an account with your name, email, and password. The system will walk you through the steps and will encourage you to post a picture and a video (if available) along with a description to help sell your service. You’ll create your profile and list your skills and services. Once you secure a customer, you’ll be prompted to accept payments and receive money that goes directly to your bank account.
How it Works – for Horse Owners
If you are in the market to hire a groom or need a braider or trainer simply go on the site: instagrooms.com click on ‘search listings’ and then click ‘category’ to help filter by type and choose price. You can also search by keyword or date – if you are planning a horse show or vacation. The location of the service provider pops up when you select it. Choose from top-rated, vetted equine professionals – trustworthy and skilled to care for your horse.
Categories include:
Barn Services
Bodywork Services
Braiding Services
Clipping Services
Custom Services
Grooming Services
Horse Health & Wellness
Horse Show Services
Misc
Training
Once you find your provider of choice, click on ‘Request to Book’ – you won’t be charged yet, and this gives you the chance to ask questions and find out more. After booking, the service provider and customer will be charged a small percentage, which helps pay for the Instagrooms platform and maintenance.
To make the site more transparent and ensure quality representation, customers can rate providers and vice versa. This is very similar to popular consumer sites that encourage users to share their overall experiences.
Tools, Training, and Support
Instagrooms is not just a one-stop shop for qualified equine service professionals; it also serves as an excellent resource for expanding your network and skill set. Many service workers lack the time for lengthy training programs, so Instagrooms offers on-demand courses that cover a variety of topics, from grooming techniques to stable management, suitable for all experience levels. Joining the Academy is free, and it provides a range of both paid and free courses.
Future plans
Danielle is planning to incorporate ads on the platform to help fuel the content and serve as a destination website. In addition, she is set to build a horse show database along with a product marketplace.
“My goal is to help improve the industry and give back by making it easy to connect with clients. Another important objective of the platform is that is serves equine professionals as a safe place to run a business,” Danielle added.
Instagrooms website
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