ALLY NELSON

1. Ally, from whence the passion for Arabian horses? What does this breed mean to you exactly? 1.The Arabian horse to me is everything! For as long as I can remember, every important decision I have made throughout my life has revolved around the Arabian horse. From my choice of which University to attend to the city I decided to settle down and start a family in, I have always ensured that the Arabian horse will play a crucial role! 2.Walk us through your experience as a Marketing Communication Manager in the Arabian Horse industry. How and when did it all begin? 2. After graduating from college, I took a role at an equine surgical hospital running anaesthesia. I loved every part of this job and, I was showing my Arabian horses as a hobby. After I had children, my lifestyle changed. I could no longer afford the on-call hours and late-night surgeries of an emergency surgical centre. Therefore, I began my journey into the marketing side of the Arabian horse industry. In 2014 I decided to go out on my own and start Ally Nelson P.R. I have not looked back since then and have LOVED every aspect of my career. I have the great pleasure of working with some of the most influential people, breeders, trainers, and events in the world. It is an honour for me. And I look forward to the continued success of my clients and of ANPR! 3. When do your analytical skills most often come into play? Analysis of statistics and success rates of marketing campaigns plays a prominent role. You may have great ideas and big plans. But, if you do not have the engagement and the numbers to back them up, you are most likely wasting your time. From social media to google analytics and beyond, I am continuously analyzing my projects and their success. 4. What's your philosophy towards work? 4. I grew up in an entrepreneurial family. My father and my mother already owned their own very successful companies. So my entire life, I have had a great example of hard work and dedication toward a career. ANPR is my greatest pleasure. I do not look at my career as a "job" or a "to-do list" I must finish. I see my career as an ever-evolving and growing brainchild that fulfils me in so many ways. The more you put on my plate, the better I become, so I encourage and appreciate a good challenge! 5. How many breeding farms are you working for at the moment? What do you think is the biggest challenge to managing them? 5. I am now working with 15 different farms or organizations within the Arabian horse community. I provide minimal assistance to some of them. While for others, I manage 100% of their marketing and event efforts. If I have to find one challenge, this will be the happenings on each farm. To run one's marketing, you must understand not only their branding taste and business philosophy, but you must also have your finger on the pulse of what is going on in their day-to-day operations. It takes great effort and communication, luckily both of which ANPR excels! 6. Have you developed specific Marketing strategies for each of them? 6. Yes, each farm has its plans and strategies. It is crucial to follow their branding guidelines (or create them for the farm if they do not yet have one). It keeps their identity specific and unique! 7. What goes into creating an effective communication campaign for Arabian horses? 7. They are all so different. The most important part of a campaign is the structure and questions asked in the beginning - what is our goal, who is our target market, what do we want people to perceive from it? If all the questions get asked from the beginning - and both parties are on the same page, creativity and fun will come easy! 8. Are you also involved in the show environment? In what ways? 8. Yes, I am involved in all aspects of the show environment. I am a competitor myself in both the under saddle and halter divisions. And I assist with the marketing and coordination of shows. I love attending horse shows as an exhibitor as well as a spectator and marketer! 9. What else would you like to achieve at this stage of your professional career? 9. The sky is the limit for me! I know I have grown so much since starting ANPR as a professional and personal. This growth is just beginning! I hope I will expand my portfolio. Add a few select new clients when the time is right and also assist in more event management. 11. How and where do you see yourself in five years? 11. I think the beauty of my career and role in the Arabian horse community is that I am very fluid. I follow my passion and the incredible that arise. I love to travel and see the world with the Arabian horse, so I am sure there will be much more travel in my future and exciting opportunities! I very much look forward to the next five years and beyond! 12. Ally, would you like to leave a message to the readers of Arabian Horse Magazine? 12. We are all so fortunate to work with such majestic creatures. The Arabian horse lifestyle is one of passion, beauty, and excitement! I want to thank all of my clients for entrusting your marketing and P.R. with me. And I invite those who are curious about A.N.P.R. and what we offer to get in touch!