March Small Business Feature: Haybales & Barbells
Meet Jamie, the founder of Haybales and Barbells, a fitness program tailored for equestrians. Jamie is a seasoned equestrian who rides her 7 year old OTTB named Koda, in dressage. Check out the interview with Jamie, and learn more about what Haybales and Barbells is all about:
My name is Jamie and I run Haybales and Barbells, a fitness for equestrians company that I founded in 2020. I am originally from Vancouver, BC but now reside in Phoenix, AZ with my husband, two rescue dogs and my OTTB Koda! Koda is a 2014 Thoroughbred Gelding who was restarted as a hunter/jumper for one year after the track before I bought him in October of last year and now we are retraining in Dressage! We are hoping to show at training level by the end of this year!
Tell me a little bit about yourself and your OTTB Koda?
My name is Jamie and I run Haybales and Barbells, a fitness for equestrians company that I founded in 2020. I am originally from Vancouver, BC but now reside in Phoenix, AZ with my husband, two rescue dogs and my OTTB Koda! Koda is a 2014 Thoroughbred Gelding who was restarted as a hunter/jumper for one year after the track before I bought him in October of last year and now we are retraining in Dressage! We are hoping to show at training level by the end of this year!
Can you explain what Haybales and Barbells is for those readers who are unaware?
Haybales and Barbells provides equestrian specific fitness programs for riders of all levels. From workout guides, to 6 and 12 week programs, to one-on-one training, I help equestrian athletes become better riders for themselves and their horses.
What made you want to start Haybales and Barbells?
Fitness and horses have been two of my biggest passions for over a decade and when the pandemic hit and I lost my full time job, this was the perfect opportunity for me to combine both my passions and create this company. I have always thought of myself as an athlete, but it seemed like the rest of the equestrian community did not see themselves that way. I am extremely passionate about promoting the importance of cross training out of the saddle in order to be better athletes in the saddle!
How long have you been an equestrian?
I have been an equestrian for almost 20 years! When I was 10 years old, my mom randomly asked me if I wanted to take riding lessons and I said yes, and I never looked back! Prior to starting my own company, I worked full time with horses as an equine assisted recreation therapist, therapeutic riding instructor and also a riding coach.
What types of workouts do you offer?
I have bodyweight and dumbbell workout guides that you can conveniently download and use at any time and anywhere and I have more structured programs like the 2 week #RIDEFIT bootcamp and 6 and 12 week home or gym programs that are all done through my app. I also offer one-on-one training for those that want a highly customised program!
How do your workouts differentiate from other online workouts?
My programs differ from other online programs because they are equestrian specific and curated especially for the equestrian athlete. There are also programs for riders of different levels, no matter if you are a beginner rider, intermediate rider or someone who is getting back in the saddle after a hiatus, there is a program that is suitable for you. All my clients that use my programs also have direct access to me at all times for questions, concerns or if they just need motivation and accountability!
What improvements in your riding have you noticed from your workout programs?
Many of my clients have noticed better stability in the saddle, being able to ride for a longer duration, being able to give better and clearer cues to their horse, improved mental wellbeing and mood to name a few.
How can someone join Haybales and Barbells?
You can follow me on Instagram for free equestrian fitness tips, or you can head to my website to sign up for any of my programs! I offer the 2 week #RIDEFIT bootcamp once a month, but the 6 and 12 week programs you can sign up at anytime and start anytime!
Awesome!