Rebecca Zimble of Zimble Show Stables

Can you give us some background on yourself?

I opened Zimble Show Stables February 1st, 2020 in Bellingham MA. Winter 2019/2020 I was in Wellington, and at that point in my career, my peers were asking me “what’s the next step?” and that’ss when I started to envision ZSS. While I was away, my father was home looking for the perfect farm. One afternoon, I called him and asked what he was doing the next day, to which he replied, “whatever you need me to.” I then asked him to go look at one more farm in Bellingham. I didn’t really know much about it but I had a really good feeling. From then, the rest is history. I wanted a small program for my first year with 16 horses at a maximum, but six months later we have 27 horses, a successful sales string, a lesson program, an IEA team, and much more.

When did you decide to get into the horse industry on a professional level?

Fall 2017 I officially became a professional. I knew I wanted to get into the horse industry on a professional level while working for JT Farm. While working at JT, I found my passion for teaching and sales. I truly love teaching, most days I teach around 10 lessons. There’s something special about sharing a passion with others and watching my riders grow.

Who makes up your team?

Zimble Show Stables has a large team that I could not do without. The main team players are Barry Zimble (the most supportive father in the world), Francisco Souza (Business Partner), Dr. Brett Gabby of Essex Equine, Larry Hill Horseshoeing LLC, Beth Bloomer (Barn Manager), and Kayleigh Frenier (Assistant Instructor).

Do you wish you had done anything differently up to this point in your career?

I don’t wish I had done anything differently. I believe in the saying “everything happens for a reason” and I feel that everything that happened before today was to prepare me for tomorrow.

How do you communicate most effectively with clients as it relates to their horse(s) care, well-being, work schedule, etc.?

I try to do all communication face to face when the clients are here, but If we are not able to communicate in person we will talk via text/call. I strive to keep things very transparent and keep clients in the loop as much as possible when it comes to their horses. Communication is the most important part of the industry and an open communication line is important to me.

What do you try to instill into your riders?

A major key I have been focusing on with my riders lately is positivity. When you’re positive, everything is more willing to work in your favor. If you come out with a negative attitude, the ride doesn’t always go as well as it could have and sometimes leaves you in a bad mood. If you come out with a positive attitude and open eyes it usually leads to better connection with the horse and an overall better ride.

Who do you look up to the most in the horse industry?

I don’t look up to one person in particular in our industry, it’s a group of people. Without saying names, I look up to the trainers and horsemen that have always given me opportunity to succeed, and those that have have helped me on along on my journey.

Where would you like to see your business in 5-10 years?

In 5-10 years I would like to see the business in 2 locations. I would like one location to focus on young horses and sale horses, while the other location would cater to clients and their horses.

What role does HorseWorks play in your business?

HorseWorks plays a massive role in our business. Between covering our horses and our business, I could not feel safer. Many different things can happen when working with animals and knowing they are insured with HorseWorks takes some of the stress away from the unknown. We have had a couple of client horses come up with freak injuries, and HorseWorks has been nothing shy of incredible to work with. I wouldn’t want my horses covered by anyone else. The staff members are always so friendly over the phone or email and easy to work with, and it makes a stressful situation that much easier.

With everything going on today how can clients support their trainers during difficult times?

Patience and positivity. Times are hard for everyone, and no matter what we have no days off when working with horses as they rely on us for everything. The world is a stressful place right now and many businesses are under a lot of pressure. Everyone is just trying their best to make it through these difficult times. Remember to say thank you, and show your appreciation for your trainers and staff through positive emails, texts, or conversations because it really makes