Margaret Beeman of Broken Wheel Ranch

Margaret Beeman
Broken Wheel Ranch
Mid-Hudson SBDC

Margaret Beeman is a third generation horsewoman and her Broken Wheel Ranch is fixed for success. In 1964, her family founded the Broken Wheel Ranch in an area of Dutchess County noted for its beauty and terrain. Ms. Beeman worked at the Broken Wheel and other horse ranches in Dutchess County, acquiring the skills that helped her evolve into a much-heralded horsewoman. Despite being almost completely deaf, Ms. Beeman has proved to be the most sought after horse trainer and riding instructor in the area. She became the personal trainer and coach for Scott Monroe, the top driver of the U.S. Equestrian Team, who won the World Championship in Sweden in 2004. She dreamed of having access to an indoor arena so she could work year round and offer additional events to increase her income. She needed to build a barn large enough to accommodate her current clientele plus new clients.

In April, 2005, Ms. Beeman contacted the SBDC in Kingston. Certified Business Advisor Al Randzin told her she would need a well-constructed business plan with accurate, current financial data to acquire financing. With his guidance, Ms. Beeman spent more than six months working on the narrative of her business plan and compiling the financial information required. Mr. Randzin contacted commercial banks, local planning and zoning boards and the Dutchess County Economic Development people. In January 2006, Ms.Beeman was approved for a $130,000 loan from Salisbury Bank. She invested $13,000 of equity cash so she could build a proper barn on her property and created six full-time jobs.

Today, the Broken Wheel Ranch is rolling along, all year round, just the way Margaret had hoped. It’s keeping her so busy, she can no longer travel to international events with the US Equestrian Team, but still serves as coach and a major source of inspiration.