Kiwi Entrepreneur | Rachael Macdonald | Mum | Horse Breeder | Trainer | Wanganui
I was already part of the horse industry with my business Nitro Equine, where I have been breeding and producing competition ponies and sport horses since 2013. My journey on this venture began late 2020 when I needed a top-up for my own home arena. Google search results showed very few options within my budget, esse
ntially the options were at best - average. Sand or another start up business with slick marketing was trending so I decided to give it a go, I ordered and spread on my arena. It was lovely at first, but after 3 months it had flattened out and within 6 months it was completely broken down and separated. So back to Google I went, looking and researching what materials were being used overseas. After 18 months of reading, exploring, note-taking, enquiring with retailers, professional yards, businesses, suppliers and manufacturers. I had written 110 pages with over 25,000 words, I felt like I had done a thesis on Arena Surfaces! I ordered samples of what I could then setup 5 small demo sections, in a corner of my arena outside in the elements to try out the samples, I blended products, made up concoctions, and continue to work towards new ideas and solutions myself, and with our partners. Sustainability was a big focus for me and definitely on my mind when considering products. So I incorporated ranges dedicated to eco-friendly, sustainable, recycled options as well as partnering and promoting other eco-conscious businesses, their relative products, and services. I have worked hard on choosing environmentally friendly packaging, safe disposal, and recycling all we can back into usable materials and products, including what is consumed in operations. I'm ensuring as a business we are actively 'doing our bit' for the environment. Now I’ve secured 8 surface products, 4 additives, animal bedding and an arena-cleaning machine. I have partnered with like-minded, knowledgeable, experienced people and their businesses to support and grow.
