The Best Website Platforms for Equestrian Businesses
Building a website is one of the most important steps in growing your equestrian business. Whether you run a riding school, sell equestrian products, or offer professional services, the right platform can help you connect with your audience and achieve your goals.
At Mare Media, we exclusively use Webflow, Squarespace, and Shopify for our clients because they offer the best balance of functionality, flexibility, and ease of use. However, we know there are other options out there, so let’s break down six popular platforms to help you choose the right one for your business.
1. Squarespace
A user-friendly, all-in-one platform ideal for equestrian businesses that need a polished site without a lot of technical knowledge.
Best For:
Riding schools and trainers who need a professional, informational website.
Small equestrian businesses looking for a sleek, simple online presence.
Pros:
Easy to use with drag-and-drop functionality.
Beautiful, modern templates that work well for service-based businesses.
Built-in tools for SEO, email marketing, and scheduling.
Cons:
Limited design flexibility compared to Webflow or WordPress.
E-commerce features are basic and not ideal for larger online stores.
Base Pricing:
Starts at $16/month (Personal Plan).
2. WordPress
A highly customizable platform with endless plugins, best suited for those who are tech-savvy or willing to hire a developer.
Best For:
Large equestrian businesses with complex needs or advanced features.
Bloggers or content-heavy sites that need flexibility.
Pros:
Unlimited customization options with themes and plugins.
Strong SEO capabilities.
Large community for support and resources.
Cons:
Requires technical knowledge or developer assistance.
Plugins can add extra costs and maintenance headaches.
Hosting and security are your responsibility.
Base Pricing:
Free to use, but hosting starts at ~$10/month; additional costs for premium themes and plugins.
3. Webflow
A modern, design-focused platform for businesses that want a truly custom website without diving into code.
Best For:
Equestrian businesses looking for a unique, standout website.
Service providers or trainers who want to combine custom design with performance.
Pros:
Fully customizable without requiring advanced coding skills.
Clean, professional design options perfect for premium brands.
Great performance and SEO tools built in.
Cons:
Steeper learning curve than Squarespace or Wix.
Not ideal for heavy e-commerce (better suited for Shopify).
Base Pricing:
Starts at $14/month (Basic Plan).
4. Wix
A beginner-friendly platform with lots of features for small businesses, though it can lack scalability.
Best For:
Small equestrian businesses just starting out.
Those looking for a quick, affordable solution.
Pros:
Simple drag-and-drop editor.
Affordable pricing and good entry-level features.
Wide range of templates and apps.
Cons:
Limited design control compared to Webflow or Squarespace.
Can become cluttered and slow as you add more features.
Base Pricing:
Starts at $16/month (Combo Plan).
5. Showit
A platform designed for visually stunning websites, often used by photographers and creative entrepreneurs.
Best For:
Equestrian photographers or creative professionals who need a visually driven site.
Pros:
Highly visual and customizable designs.
Easy to integrate with WordPress for blogging.
Perfect for portfolio-style websites.
Cons:
Not ideal for e-commerce or complex functionality.
Can get pricey for advanced features.
Base Pricing:
Starts at $19/month (Basic Plan).
6. Shopify
A powerhouse platform for e-commerce, perfect for equestrian businesses selling products online.
Best For:
Tack shops, equestrian apparel brands, or anyone with a significant e-commerce focus.
Businesses that need advanced online selling features.
Pros:
Best-in-class e-commerce tools for inventory, shipping, and payments.
Scalable for small and large online stores.
Built-in analytics and marketing tools.
Cons:
Limited design flexibility compared to Webflow or Squarespace.
Monthly costs can add up with apps and premium themes.
Base Pricing:
Starts at $29/month (Basic Plan).
Why Mare Media Recommends Webflow, Squarespace, and Shopify
While there are many platforms to choose from, we focus on Webflow, Squarespace, and Shopify because they offer:
Flexibility: These platforms balance ease of use with customization.
Professional Design: Perfect for creating polished, high-quality sites.
Scalability: Whether you’re a small riding school or a growing e-commerce brand, these platforms grow with you.
We believe in choosing the tools that set our clients up for success, without unnecessary complexity or headaches.
Final Thoughts
The right website platform depends on your specific needs, goals, and technical abilities. Whether you’re looking for a simple site to promote your services or a robust e-commerce platform, there’s an option that fits your business perfectly.
Need help deciding which platform is right for your equestrian business? Mare Media specializes in creating stunning, functional websites tailored to your needs. Let’s chat and bring your vision to life!
