Quit Your Job and Buy Horses - From Military Service to Entrepreneurship

Hi, I'm Zachary Leyden, a veteran, a college graduate, and the proud owner of Ocean View Stables—a business that embodies my personal dream. It hasn't been an easy journey, but I'm here to share my story and inspire you to believe that if I can make my dream come true, so can you.

Finding My Path: Overcoming Challenges

After leaving the military, I struggled with a sense of lost identity. Having served in the special operations unit called LRS (Long Range Surveillance) since a young age, military life had become all I knew. Depression engulfed me, leaving me feeling devoid of skills and direction.

Fast forward a few years, and everything changed. I found myself running a business I loved, with a clear sense of purpose and a renewed sense of self. The key difference was discovering and pursuing my dream, supported by crucial leadership skills.

Demystifying Dream Pursuit

Embarking on the journey to live your dream may seem daunting, and you might wonder why so few people achieve it. While I firmly believe anyone can attain their dreams, I acknowledge that my military background provided me with a head start. Through military service, I gained valuable knowledge about leadership and teamwork, which helped me avoid many common pitfalls.

Defining Your Dream: Unearthing Hidden Passions

Identifying your dream isn't always straightforward, as dreams can sometimes go unnoticed if you're not attentive. Defining your dream is essential because it serves as the foundation for making it a reality.

Interestingly, my dream of working with horses didn't stem from a lifelong passion or upbringing in the equestrian world. It slowly evolved over time, from my first encounter with a horse at a young age to horse riding lessons while in service. It was only when my friend Dan taught me how to train a horse from the ground up that the idea of working with horses for a living took root.

Taking the Leap: Building a Team and Business

While defining my dream was a significant milestone, building a team and turning it into a sustainable business presented its own set of challenges. I relied on the leadership skills acquired during military service to gather intelligence, research the industry, and form alliances with experienced professionals in the horse packing business. With a dedicated team in place—featuring my brother Tyler—we established Trail Brothers, a business that aimed to revolutionize the industry.

Lessons from Horses: Leadership Insights

As we embarked on our journey, I discovered that horses have much to teach us about effective leadership. Horses possess incredible awareness, mirror our emotions, and exemplify the importance of motivation and trust within a team. They demonstrate the power of caring for the collective and emphasize the authenticity and transparency required in leadership. Trail Brothers ended in a move I like to call “Fail Forward” bringing me my next adventure; a Winery Horse ranch, which was short lived, Failing Forward to the final destination, Ocean View Stables.

Ocean View Stables: Where Dreams and Leadership Unite

Ocean View Stables, set against a picturesque coastal backdrop, became the embodiment of my dream and a hub for leadership development. As we established our business, Ocean View Stables not only provided exceptional horsemanship experiences but also became a platform for fostering leadership skills. Our team's shared passion for horses, combined with the values of awareness, positivity, and effective communication, formed the cornerstone of our success.

Living Your Dream, Building Your Legacy

My journey from military service to entrepreneurship at Ocean View Stables taught me invaluable lessons about dream pursuit, perseverance, and leadership. By following your passion, conducting thorough research, assembling a supportive team, and embracing the lessons from horses, you can embark on a fulfilling journey toward living your dream.