15 Apr Why Horse Businesses Need to Embrace Short-Form Video on Facebook and Instagram in 2025

If you’re running a horse farm or horse-related business, your Facebook and Instagram strategies need to evolve. Meta, the parent company of both platforms, has made it crystal clear: the future of organic reach lies in short-form video. In fact, Meta’s own data shows that people are spending less time viewing content from friends and more time engaging with short-form videos surfaced through algorithmic recommendations.

 

In 2023, users spent 22% of their time on Facebook watching friends’ content. In 2025, that number has dropped to just 17%. The same trend is visible on Instagram, dropping from 11% to 7%. Why? Because Meta is prioritizing Reels and other short-form videos in its feed, pushing them over photos or posts from your friends list. That shift offers a huge opportunity for horse-related businesses to reach new customers—without needing a massive ad budget.

 

Reels vs. Stories: What’s the Difference?

 

Reels are short, entertaining videos (up to 90 seconds) that are pushed to users outside your follower base. Think of them as TikToks for Facebook and Instagram. They live on your profile permanently (unless deleted) and can go viral if the content performs well.

Stories, on the other hand, are short videos or images that disappear after 24 hours. They’re typically shown to people who already follow you, and they’re ideal for behind-the-scenes updates or time-sensitive content.

In short:

• Reels = discoverability
• Stories = connection with your existing audience

For growth, Reels should be your top priority.

 

Fresh, Non-Selfish Short-Form Content Ideas for Horse Businesses

The biggest mistake most businesses make? Only posting about themselves. “We have a sale!” “Book now!” “Look at us!” — but that kind of content doesn’t get shared, and it doesn’t help you earn trust.

Here are innovative, value-driven video ideas for horse-related businesses that focus on entertaining, educating, or inspiring the audience:

 

Horse Farms & Riding Academies

 

• “Did You Know?” Horse Facts: Short videos explaining obscure or quirky horse facts (“Did you know horses can’t vomit?”)

 

• Horse Behavior Demos: Use voiceover to explain what a horse is communicating through its body language.

 

• Kid Q&As: Let young riders answer questions like “What’s the best part about riding horses?” (adorable and super shareable)

 

• Do You Clean Your Water Buckets Daily?: Film a nasty bucket getting dumped. Ask: “Be honest—how often do YOU do it?” (Expect passionate confessions and judgment.)

 

• Why We Don’t Blanket — And You Shouldn’t Either: Or flip it and say, “We blanket in Texas. Yes, we know it’s 55 degrees. Stay mad.”

 

• The Problem With Braiding for Horse Shows: Hot take: it’s outdated, uncomfortable, expensive and/or stressful. End with: “Is this tradition still worth it?”

 

• The Problem With 3-Piece Riding Habits for Horse Shows: Hot take: it’s outdated, uncomfortable, and expensive. End with: “Is this tradition still worth it?”

 

• We Don’t Let Kids Feed Treats At Our Barn. Here’s Why: Trigger warning: this will definitely cause debate. (Especially if you back it up with a “we got bit” story.)

 

• Yes, You Should Tip Your Barn Staff: Say it directly. Explain why and how much. Watch people continue the discussion in the comments.

 

Tack Shops

 

• “What’s In the Bag?”: Unbox a tack bag or grooming kit with tips on why each item matters.

 

• Comparison Tests: Leather cleaner A vs. B — show results in 15 seconds.

 

• Strange-but-True Gear Uses: Highlight unusual or little-known tack items and how they’re used.

 

• Reel-Style Reviews: Ask customers to submit quick clips reviewing products they love.

 

Farriers

 

• Satisfying Hoof Trim Time-Lapses: No narration needed, just a relaxing clip with music.

 

• “What’s That Tool?” Series: Explain a different farrier tool each week.

 

• Before & Afters: Hoof issues fixed = transformation videos that build trust and curiosity.

 

• Common Mistakes Owners Make: Teach while avoiding blame (“Most people don’t know this…”)

 

Equine Vets

 

• Horse Health Tips in 30 Seconds: Keep it fast and actionable (“How to check a horse’s digital pulse”)

 

• Myth-Busting Reels: Dispel common equine health misconceptions.

 

• Mini Case Studies: Walk through a horse’s recovery (with owner permission).

 

• Things You Should Know Before the Vet Comes: Educational, builds goodwill.

 

Hauling Companies

 

• Behind-the-Scenes Reels: Loading, prepping, fueling, or even checking trailer tires.

 

• “Ride Along” POV: Quick video from the road (dashboard cam, properly mounted).

 

• Tips for Hauling Safety: Especially seasonal ones like summer heat management.

 

• Q&A with the Driver: Make it personal; share your values around horse care.

 

Horse Shows & Events

 

• Micro-Moments from the Show Ring: One clean round, one big jump, one fist pump.

 

• “Show Hacks” Tips: What to bring, how to braid faster, where to park.

 

• Funny Rider Fails: Light-hearted clips (with permission!) that humanize the sport.

 

• Interviews With The Judge: After the show, take a minute to interview your judges, getting their perspective on the show, the number of entries, the most common mistakes they see as a judge, the things that really stand out to them as a judge, etc.

 

Feed Manufacturers

 

• Ingredient Spotlight: “Why we include flaxseed” – 30-second education.

 

• “This vs. That” Reels: Compare your feed to generic feed with real examples.

 

• Reel with a Nutritionist: Quick bites of nutritional wisdom.

 

• Behind-the-Bag: Show how the feed is made, tested, and shipped, and what makes it different from all the competing brands.

 

Equestrian eCommerce Shops & Gift Stores

 

• Packaging ASMR: Tape, wrap, box — oddly satisfying.

 

• “Gift Ideas Under $30” Reel: Fast-paced, value-packed.

 

• Top-Selling Items of the Month: Build curiosity.

 

• Reactions Unboxing: Encourage customers to tag you in videos opening your products.

 

Quick Tips for Winning with Reels

 

• Hook in the first 2 seconds: Use a bold visual or surprising statement.

 

• Use text overlays: Many people watch with sound off.

 

• Add music: Trending sounds can boost reach.

 

• Post consistently: Start with 2–4 Reels per week, and work your way up to that number per day (remember, these are maximum of 90 seconds, so they don’t take a huge amount of time).

 

• Engage after posting: Be sure to reply to comments and DMs. Have a high school or college-aged student help with this, or look on platforms like UpWork and Fivver to get a VA (virtual assistant) who can help you.

 

Bottom Line

If you want to grow your horse business organically in 2025, short-form video is not optional—it’s essential. Reels offer unmatched exposure, and by shifting your content from self-promotional to service-oriented, you can stand out in a crowded digital landscape.

Show your passion. Educate. Entertain. Inspire. That’s what gets shared—and that’s what brings riders, owners, and horse lovers through your (digital or barn) door.

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Go to https://kristinaderby.com for more horse business marketing education.

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