Fields Nominations Results

Memorable Experiences

Creating Memorable Experiences

Making ownership enjoyable and rewarding is key to building loyalty, ensuring owners feel valued, and aligning with the goals of Next Gen to attract and retain participants. By offering special moments and thoughtful touches, you can create a lasting connection with your owners. Here are ideas to make their experience truly memorable:

Celebrate Milestones

  • First Wins: Host a small celebration for the owners when their horse achieves its first win. Share photos, videos, or even framed keepsakes to mark the occasion.
  • Anniversaries: Acknowledge significant dates, such as the anniversary of an owner’s first horse purchase or a syndicate milestone.
  • Special Achievements: Celebrate when a horse reaches a major milestone, such as qualifying for a major race, like the Harness Millions or the New Zealand Cup, which can be shared with owners through celebratory events or special updates.
  • Merch Giveaways: Make owners feel part of your team by offering branded merchandise, such as caps or jackets, during celebrations or as surprise gifts.

Enhance Race Day Experiences

  • Casual Race Day Events: Organise a gazebo or BBQ area at a race meeting once or twice a year for your owners to gather, connect, and enjoy the day together.
  • Pre-Race Access: Ensure owners know they can visit the stables and see their horse before the race, as this is a unique benefit in harness racing compared to other codes.
  • Post-Race Communication: Share results and your insights through messages or emails after the race, especially when immediate gatherings aren’t possible.

Engage Owners Behind the Scenes

  • Stable Visits and Trackwork Mornings: Invite owners to visit your stables during trackwork to see their horses train and understand the preparation process. Schedule these visits during quieter times to ensure a positive experience for everyone.
  • Q&A Sessions: Host informal chats to answer questions about the horse’s progress, plans, and overall stable operations.

Personalised Touches

  • Welcome Packs: Provide new owners with a kit that highlights your stable and team. Include a welcome letter, information about your training philosophy, stable history, staff profiles, and branded merchandise such as caps, tote bags, or custom notepads.
  • Regular Updates: Send photos, videos, and messages showcasing their horse’s development and progress.
  • Owner Recognition: Share shoutouts on social media or in newsletters to celebrate your owners’ involvement.

Create Shared Experiences

  • Owner-Only Events: Organise BBQs, open days, or syndicate gatherings where owners can connect with one another and share their passion for racing. Promote these events through social media and direct invitations to maximise attendance.
  • Behind-the-Scenes Videos: Create videos showing a day in the life of the stable or a horse’s routine, helping owners feel part of the journey.
  • Commemorative Keepsakes: Offer framed photos, personalised race silks, or other mementos to mark significant moments.

By focusing on meaningful interactions and special touches, you can turn ownership into a standout experience that owners will cherish and want to share with others. These efforts not only enhance loyalty but also encourage word-of-mouth promotion for your stable.

Next Gen