The Eloquent Equine | No. 5, Festive Fashion Spectacular

Spotlight

K. Eastman Photography

Product Guide Great Gift Ideas!

Behind the Brand

An in-depth look behind some great equestrian brands

My Barn Child ● Phyllis Stein Equestrian ● Horscotti

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Contents My Barn Child the Loop 04 In 26 We’ve got the inside scoop Ontario Has Talent’s 2nd Annual High Tea & Fashion Show

06 Spotlight Featuring the innovative &

from the owner herself!

it Homemade 32 Make Simple & Sweet treat recipes

inspirational work of K. Eastman Photography

you can make yourself.

proprieter Meredith Duncan

the most fashion forward horse and rider combo out this season

Stein Equestrian 33 2013 Product Guide 16 Phyllis We go behind the brand with Great products to deck even

22 Horscotti All natural horse treats for the equine gourmande.

The Eloquent Equine Issue No. 5 Festive Fashion Spectacular Editor-in-Chief | Krista Rivet Creative Director | Samantha Wild Social Media Manager | Allyson Lowe // Contributors // Meredith Duncan (Phyllis Stein Equestrian), Averill Pessin (My Barn Child), Allyson Lowe, Alexandra Nisker (Horscotti), Trisha Carter (Galla Designs), Christine Curtin (Equestrian Factory Outlet), Kaitlyn Eastman (K. Eastman Photography), Krista Rivet

Advertising, Submissions & General Inquiries | theeloqentequine@gmail.com Website | www.eloquentequine.wordpress.com Email | theeloquentequine@gmail.com Facebook | /TheEloquentEquine Twitter | @EloquentEquine Subscriptions | Free - Available through Issuu

The Eloquent Equine is a quarterly publication, producing four full issues a year plus a number of special editions. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

The Eloquent Equine welcomes all submissions and suggestions, feel free to email us.

On the Cover Photo by Kaitlyn Eastman of K. Eastman Photography.

Check out more of Kaitlyn’s amazing images in our Spotlight Gallery (Page 6)

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Editor’s Desk Winter’s finally started to set in. As the weeks of December swiftly cruise by on cold northern winds many riders are turning their heads south, preparing to pack the trailer and head for warmer climes. For those of us left to remain in the great white north, its time to haul out the bins full of blankets and prepare for snow.

But the festive season is just around the corner and just enough to warm up our hearts (and frostbitten fingertips), it’s a time for family, friends, and horses.

This December issue I’ve lovingly coined our ‘Festive Fashion Spectacular’, it’s a little bit wintery, a little bit Christmassy, and a whole lot of fashion. I want to give a special shout out to all the great brands featured within this issue, especially Averill Pessin of My Barn Child and Meredith Duncan of Phyllis Stein Equestrian, two lovely woman who allowed me to sit down with them to discuss their inspiration, what drives them to continue, and what makes their brands great. Through hearing their stories, I’ve learned just how tight knit and supportive the local equestrian community can be, and how powerful that support really is.

As Christmas draws closer and you’re thinking about some last minute shopping, make sure you keep in mind all those small local businesses out there, their products are amazing and come with a lot of thought and heart behind them!

I’d also like to give a thanks to Kaitlyn Eastman, of K. Eastman Photography, who provided the lovely photo you see on our cover, as well as the beautiful images in our spotlight gallery.

Thanks as well to the models that survived the cold of a December day to ensure these photos came to fruition.

I hope you enjoy this issue, and wish everyone the best holiday season!

Stay in touch!

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In the Loop Tea For Two

Ontario Has Talent’s 2nd Annual High Tea & Fashion Show

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he Dressage tsunami is coming, you better be prepared to ride the wave, or get out of the way – with those words renowed Dressage judge Cara Whitham opened the floor at the 2nd Annual Ontario Has Talent High Tea and Fashion Show.

Another spectacular event organized by the women behind Ontario Has Talent, all in support of Ontario’s youth Dressage riders. With over 200 guests in attendance, it’s no surprise that Ms. Whitham sees the sport as a tide preparing to sweep the nation.

By supporting the development of our youth atheletes, there is great promise for the future of the Dressage sport here in Canada.

The event took place at the Hilton Suites and Convention centre in Markham, ON, and sported a great range of vendors, a silent auction, and some amazing food. The highlight of the afternoon was the fashion show, with models made up of youth and adult riders from across the province, adorned in styles from a variety of great providers.

Fashion providers and vendors included The Ascot Room; Hannah’s, fine purveyors of fashion for discriminating ladies and gentleman; Hayward Sportswear Ltd; aboriginal fashion designer and stylist, Angela DeMontigny, who blends edginess and elegance with Chippewa, Cree, and Metis cultural elements; and Herbert’s Western Wear.

The Fashion show was co-ordinated by Lori McDowell, with music by Dax Adam, and make-up by professional makeup artist Linda Gill-Crone.

Photos | Š K. Eastman Photography

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SPOTLIGHT

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Š K. Eastman Photography

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Š K. Eastman Photography The Eloquent Equine 11

Other Works

The photographic works of Kaitlyn Eastman, of K.Eastman Photography aren’t solely limited to the realm of horses, and we only thought it fitting that we share some of the other amazing work by this inspiring young photographer.

We may be a horse magazine, but we are also about innovation and inspiration, two qualities which Ms. Eastman’s photos fully embody.

Make sure to check out K. Eastman Photography on Facebook to see more stunning photos!

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Photos | Š K. Eastman Photography The Eloquent Equine 13

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Š K. Eastman Photography

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Behind the Brand

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hey’re equestrian themed tees designed for the rider with sass, class, and some great humour. They’ve got a rock inspired edge, a fit you can’t beat, and are super comfortable. If you haven’t heard of Phyllis Stein Equestrian, or their great range of equestrian tees, you’ve been missing out.

We had a chance to sit down with owner Meredith Duncan to get the latest scoop on the origins of Phyllis Stein, what’s in the works, and the woman behind the brand.

What is the inspiration behind Phyllis Stein Equestrian? How did the brand come to be?

I rode when I was a kid and grew up in a horsey family, but quit the sport when I was 15 and really didn’t plan on riding again.

When I turned 35 I literally woke up one day a decided to start riding again. My friends outside the horse community were always surprised that I rode, because the outside perception of this sport is often that its elitist, but this really isn’t the case. Everyone is really cool; they stick together and support each other. Music and pop culture are a big part of my life, and I like to wear stuff that represents all the different aspects of my lifestyle. I found that most ‘horsey’ clothes were nothing I would wear, so I started getting t-shirts made for myself because I thought they were funny.

I felt that there was really nothing with an edge, with humour, in the current clothing products offered to equestrians, so I started making these shirts. ‘Breeches & Boots’ was the first one I ever made. I started this business primarily for my own amusement, I was producing shirts I wanted to wear, but then people kept approaching me and I was selling shirts at shows right off of my back.

I had wanted to start the company for a while, though with more of an emphasis on jhods and show shirts, but I really had no background in the field and didn’t know where to start. So I invested a thousand dollars into making a few shirts and approached Kristy Lake of Shop Dapple Gray

to see what she thought. I took a couple of shirts by her mobile unit after showing one day, and she loved them and took them on, and that’s kind of how Phyllis Stein Equestrian started.

What’s your process for designing new products? Do you have a specific influence you draw on during your creative process?

Like a lot of people who start small, the first biggest challenges were finding materials that I liked (which ended up being bamboo) and then finding a fit that I liked. When it comes to product selection, it’s taken me awhile to pick the three styles that I am currently using. I draw from stuff I buy; I keep track of what I like and then take those ideas to my manufacturer.

As for the design process, I like to play with words to come up with slogans etc. A lot of times it comes from something I overhear or something I think up, which then becomes

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an inspiration that I latch on to.

For example, take the “I saw the long spot” shirt. I was riding one year and overheard a girl saying that she hadn’t seen the long spot in years. Later that day I saw her walk by, she was covered in mud, and I was all ‘she saw the long spot’.

The things I come up with are kind of like this equestrianisms that reflect the sport.

I also change my mind a lot.

Of all the shirts you’ve produced thus far, which is your favourite?

I personally love ‘The Hunt Coat’ shirt, which is not a huge seller. It’s one of those shirts that just doesn’t look as great on the rack as it does in person. With the ‘Breeches & Boots’ shirt I really struggled with it, to get it to look just the way I wanted, but it ended up doing incredibly well sales wise.

My all-time favourite shirt would have to be the Hickstead one. It was a passion project, and I am really blessed that it actually happened. Hickstead was such a rockstar; he was a horse that enraptured a nation. He was one of those horses that triumphed in the face of adversity, and worked hard to get to the top. He and Eric were one of those real partnerships you see between horse and rider.

I emailed the farm one day blind, and mentioned my brand and the idea I had to do this concert shirt in honour of Hickstead.

Shortly thereafter I got an email back from Tiffany Foster, who had been managing the farm’s email inbox at the time, and she said that they liked the idea. I drew up some art and they liked it, so I got some shirts printed up and sent them to their staff and team, then produced a limited run for sale. It was a super humbling experience and just wonderful.

A small portion of the proceeds go to Just World International as well, which is also great.

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“

You learn much more from your failures than from your successes ...

What’s your big dream for the company?

I think, in most cases, people need to be gainfully employed to be able to invest time and money in their dreams, so it will take some time for this business to grow, but looking forward I want to move into more structured garments like jhods, shirts, and jackets. All with a spin of course. I’m into vintage clothing, so it’ll be different, it’ll be for people into fashion outside of equestrian apparel. Based on my current workload it will take some time to do the research and acquire the resources necessary for this next step, but I just need to stay the course and see what happens.

I also love that a lot of people wear their Phyllis Stein Equestrian shirts as street wear.

I love that there is crossover between the equestrian world and the real world. I grew up around skate and surf culture where people wear clothes that are indicative of their lifestyle, but not necessarily clothes they wear while participating in the sport, so I love that my shirts also have the same quality to them.

Anything new and exciting in the works?

I have some new pieces that are ready to launch, and will be posted online soon.

I’m also working with my manufacturer on producing a nice new bamboo polo shirt, and will hopefully be out in the spring. I’m hoping to launch them in Florida or California over the spring.

I’m also now sponsoring Amy Millar, which is super exciting.

Tell us a bit about the woman behind the brand, what drives you to do what you do?

I do it because I love it, it’s a great creative

What is the one thing customers should know about Phyllis Stein Equestrian?

First and foremost, it’s a labour of love. I do it because I love it. Second of all, when I think of the Phyllis Stein Equestrian Brand, and the people it resonates with, the people who buy from me regularly I connect with, they are irreverent and unique individuals with a sense of humour. If that is the way the brand is perceived by the general public, I’m totally okay with that. The brand has also become synonymous with quality, even though it’s just a t-shirt.

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outlet for me. I think, by nature, I would rather try and fail miserably than not try at all. Before starting this business I had just reached a tipping point, and you do yourself a disservice if you don’t even try. You can’t anticipate where things are going to go. I’ve also learned so much during the process of running this business, from picking fabrics to finding a manufacturer who was willing to produce a small number of products (versus the larger orders they usually produce).

Getting good feedback from customers and having good partners to work with makes it great.

You learn much more from your failures than from your successes, each batch of shirts I produce are a learning experience. I have also met some really great people since starting this business.

What do you find most challenging about owning and operating your own business?

Leaning how to manage your supply and stock, and guesstimating how much you might need of something is difficult. You don’t want to have left over product, but you also don’t want to end up with products being back ordered. It’s a delicate balance, and sometimes in can be hard to tell what is going to sell and how well.

Finding good people to work with, and managing the logistics of it all, especially now that I am producing a larger volume of products, can be challenging. You have to find the time for everything and make sure all aspects of the work are considered.

I often have to rely on other people, and if one of those links fails, for whatever reason, production times get messed up. It’s often out of your control, but I hate disappointing vendors and customers, it’s really a nerve biting experience to put full trust in the people you decide to do business with.

What do you find most inspiring and/or rewarding?

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What keeps me doing this is really getting to the point where I can manufacture and offer products that are truly representative of my vision and of the style and quality that has become synonymous with the Phyllis Stein brand.

What’s you go to, must have, can’t leave the house without it favourite fashion accessory?

Honestly, its lipstick. I do not leave the house without a good handbag and lipstick.

Regardless of what I am wearing or where I am going, I will not go out without both.

Personal motto?

Beauty fades, dumb is forever.

Do you have any special horses in your life?

I don’t do much riding in the winter, but I do have a wonderful girl in my life named Gertrude. She’s a Hanoverian mare, and she’s literally a dream come true. She’s a wonderful mare, naughty, but wonderful.

When Hanoverians first came to Canada I saw the stallion Goldschlager shown at the CNE, he’d just been imported from Germany.

I was 7 or 8 at the time and was absolutely thrilled, he was so large, and so elegant (in a masculine way). To this day I still have all his stallion catalogues, as a kid I wanted on of his foals so badly.

When I started riding again, I was potentially in the market to purchase, but had no immediate plans. Our blacksmith at the time was seeing a girl who had a grey Warmblood mare she was looking to sell, which I never would have considered as I’ve always had geldings. My stepmother, who is my coach and also owns the barn where my horse lives, told her to trailer the horse over to the farm.

I was working from home one day and my stepmother called me to come up and look at this horse she’d had brought over to her place. So I drove up the farm, which is in

Barrie, from my home in Toronto.

Unbeknownst to me at the time, while I was driving up there my step mother was talking to the girl about the horse, who was named Calista at the time, and it came up that her grandsire was Goldschlager. By the time I got the farm my stepmother and a friend of mine were running down the driveway telling me about the mare and who here grandsire was. I saw the mare and I was sold.

To learn more about

Phyllis Stein Equestrian, and the current product line, make sure to check out the Facebook Page and Website!

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Snacks designed for the discerning equine of all varieties, regardless of dietary restrictions. These great, all natural horse treats come in five distinct flavours: Sugar Free, Variety Bits, Peppermint Crunch, Sweet Molasses, and Apples & Honey.

They’re a definite must have for your equine partner this holiday season!

Our social media manager Allyson posed a few questions to Horscotti owner and creator Alexandra Nisker to learn more about this innovative brand.

What type of ingredients do you put in your product?

All natural, simplistic ingredients that are safe for most animals to eat. I went into Horscotti thinking that if I can’t pronounce it, and I don’t know what it is, it’s not going in. We have a base recipe that I’ve created and slaved over for the last five years to get it “just right.” Once the base is mixed we then add in our flavours depending on what is being made.

Do your products cater to all different dietary needs of horses?

We have different flavours, but we do realize that not all horses are equal. I started making our Sugar Free Treats when a friend’s barrel horse was diagnosed with Cushings Disease. I had no idea about it until she informed me. I initially thought, how sad. I’m not a huge treat person, but the thought of not giving my horse ANY treats was devastating. No carrots, no apples, no nothing?

I couldn’t even begin to imagine a world with nothing like a chocolate bar. So I thought I should be the “Candy Woman” for them. The Sugar-Free is also safe for horses with Insulin Resistance, and our Apples and Honey flavoured treats are safe for horses with HYPP. We do custom orders if clients want to email us directly, they can tell us what their horses’ allergies

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and dislikes are and we’ll devise a creation that will be easy on the tummy and enjoyable.

What made you want to start the Horscotti business? When did you begin creating the Horscotti?

I was working at an embroidery store called Let’s Get Personal (she does amazing embroidery!) at RCRA and it proved to be a hard luck location. So I took initiative to try and draw clients into the store by making horse treats to sell and once I started making them I just couldn’t stop myself. I was in school part time, and doing my placement in Keswick, and I was trying to make myself busy.

This seemed to be the better way to go than channeling my cooking energy into human food.

I think I gained 15 lbs that summer because I discovered the joys of cooking. After the summer ended I heard my mom’s voice echoing through my head from years ago, “you should turn this into a business!”

I have been making treats for years and have this basic recipe that I’ve doctored over time.

Certain adjustments were always being made because ingredients didn’t make them last or I wasn’t happy with the final product. I’ve been told I’m very picky when I feed treats. I don’t like sticky treats, I don’t love mushy messes, and occasionally I will forget where I put treats and they would be moldy or rock hard and I’d have to throw them out. So 10 years later I finally listened to those echoing words of my mother and started up Horscotti. And guess what, she said, “I told you so!”

What product is your best seller?

I would say for the pickiest of horses the Sweet Molasses is our go to treat, but the Variety Bits and Sugar Free are tied at the top. People like knowing that they can sample different flavours and then buy the one their horse craves the most.

Going into this business I had no idea just how popular Sugar-Free would get. I was only doing it for a friend and then everyone wanted them. I

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have one friend that only orders in bulk for her ponies (one has Cushings, the other has Insulin Resistance) every 3 months, this alone has opened up a whole new world for me and a lasting friendship… So long as I keep making those treats!

Do you offer any holiday specific treats (Christmas, Halloween)?

I do shapes and occasionally will colour my treats, but they have to be special ordered as they take more time to make. For dogs we have little bones that are perfect for even the smallest breeds to crunch on.

Yes, we ventured into doggy treats to test them out and we got paws up from our canine, Charli.

Do any of your own horses have a particular Horscotti treat they like best?

I am an avid rider but I solely own, who I think is the most delectable

horse, Darby. Since Darby’s retirement from the show ring I’ve been riding multiple horses to keep me sharp and in the competition world.

Darby didn’t care what he ate, so long as it was in his mouth (sour gummy worms, jelly beans, whole oranges, etc.). When I started being conscientious about his diet, his favourite flavour became Sweet Molasses. He will literally knock you over for them, so I have learned to make sure I’m ready when I bring them out of my bag/purse. I usually only feed Peppermint Crunch to the horses I show and lesson on, as this is the flavour I keep on hand for Charli (my dog).

Are there any popular clients that endorse your products?

I mostly serve the people, but I have given treats out for a lot of major riders on the Canadian Hunter/Jumper circuit. Trisha of Galla Designs buys our treats whenever she can.

Tamsin of Caballo Creations says her own horse Dax will do just about anything to get one! We love our clients and are driven by them. If it weren’t for them I wouldn’t be making them for everyone to enjoy.

Where do you sell Horscotti and are they available for shipping across Ontario/ Canada?

We currently can be found in two Ontario stores, at Bakers Saddlery and Shop Dapple Grey. We are in talks with two more stores for the new year (also Ontario) and hopefully move to stores outside the province. The beauty of being a small company means I get to ship wherever my clients are and build a personal connection with them. I have a client out in British Colombia who orders Sugar Free treats in bulk every 6 months or so. I recently sold some treats to Saskatchewan, and shipped them as far as to the United States and to United Kingdom. I ship everywhere that I’m allowed to ship and work with the client to make their horses feel just as indulged as we feel for having them in our lives.

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Behind the Brand

My Barn Child

BRIDLE ~ BRAID ~ BOOT ~ BLING

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or owner Averill, My Barn Child started as idea born of a passion for horses and the desire to feel luxurious, without breaking the bank. With only a few hundred dollars, a car, a phone, and an idea, she’s produced a brand that all riders can love, young or old.

My Barn Child products allow riders to accessorize, show their style (and a little sass), without having to spend a great deal of money.

What was the inspiration behind My Barn Child?

Last spring, in May, I ended up actually losing my job for the third time in three years as a result of the economy. I had just moved from Toronto to where I am now, and the job search was completely different. The move had come about because my daughter and I wanted to ride, and riding had become the priority. I kept trying to think of options for work, and well, it was easy to be inspired by what you love.

now carrying My Barn Child, I’m beginning to get inquiries from the United States, and have now shipped three orders to U.S Having lost my job a few times I was well aware shops. I’m so happy that it’s starting to really take off; the Royal this year was especially that it [riding] is a very opulent sport, and everyone wants to share a bit in the luxury, but huge for me. I got to see pictures of people showing with My Barn Child products, it was not everyone who rides or shows can afford thrilling and also really flattering, it was a the most expensive, top of the line products. huge compliment.

Online I stumbled across something similar to a bridle charm and thought that I could come How do you decide what your new up with something cuter, and as a result My products are going to look like?

Barn Child was born.

I initially approached Kristy Lake at Shop Dapple Gray and asked if she would carry the product, which she agreed to. The product sold surprisingly quickly, and grew from there, which was really helped in part by the huge following Dapple Gray has.

My early goal was to have items under twenty dollars that kids, moms, older riders, etc. could afford to purchase. I had in mind the little kid at the horse show with a twenty dollar bill in hand, they would be able to go up the My Barn Child display and walk away with something special and feel sassy as well.

It’s been surprising every single day, the business just keeps growing. Twelve stores are

I have a 12 year old daughter, and she serves as a good gage for how well a new idea or product will do. If she likes it the item it is usually fairly popular. I also know a lot of kids who show, and generally I will ask them if they like an idea that I am working on to see their response.

Little girls really aren’t a mystery; it’s fairly easy to tell what they would like. My Barn Child’s most popular items are things you would generally think a little girl would like.

I will say that the skull charms were surprisingly popular. When I first came out with them tack stores were slightly reluctant to take them on at first, but when they did

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produce though.

What’s your big dream for the company?

I would love to expand the product line, to produce more accessories and clothing items, but still keep everything within an accessible price range.

I’d also like to see My Barn Child in stores in and across the United States. At the same time, I also love that the shops that are fans of my brands are small boutique, neighbourhood tack shops. They have faithful customers who are faithful to brands. It’s awesome to see loyal customers who keep coming back to the brand, but I also want to continue expanding the line and where it is available.

What is the one thing you want customers to know about My Barn Child?

the charms sold like crazy.

Which product, of all that you’ve produced, is your favourite?

The bows. I think it’s because they are for the littlest kids, the wee ones, and seeing the finished bows is so awesome because I know that they are going to be on this happy little girl on this little pony. The bows are my favourite to see on anyone.

I think of them. My Barn Child is not just a business or a means to an end, I know it sounds cheesy, but I really do care about my customers. I really think about who would look at the product, who would see My Barn Child products on the display and really want them.

I make each product envisioning the wearer, who the end customer is going to be. The bows I make are a good example of this, I make every set different so that every little girl has a chance to find her special set, to find a pair that resonate with her personality and likes.

I believe that everyone should be able to share in some of the luxury of the sport, without having to shoulder the price of the expensive accessories. It’s been a lot of fun, especially at the Royal this year, getting to see kids go up to the displays and get excited about the products. You get to see them get excited about something that they can have, which is great.

I was the prize sponsor for the Georgian Bay Trillium Walk/Trot & Walk/Trot/Canter divisions What drives you to do what you at the awards banquet. One little girl put her do? Why did you decide to start this new showbows on right away. I didn’t realize business? until I saw her run past me. Her excitement was so genuine & adorable.

I have a long history in retail and customer service, but I’ve never [until this business] The bows are definitely the most work to

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been on the wholesale, manufacturing, and distribution side. It’s been a huge learning experience, but a lot of fun. Practically speaking, the goal was initially to replace my day job, but eventually you reach a point where you would much rather do something you love than something you just get by on. I work more now than I ever did working for someone else, but I notice the hours a lot less because I enjoy the work much more. I can work while my daughter rides, etc., which makes my time much more flexible.

My motivation ties into that old saying ‘it’s not just a sport, it’s a lifestyle’, I’m trying to find a way to make a living within the equestrian lifestyle. I’ve met a lot of people and made quite a few friends because of this business, plus I get to talk horses with people all day long. I started this business with nothing more than $200, a Jetta, an iPhone, and an idea. Six months later I’m truly amazed at how much its grown and taken off in such a short time.

While trying to build and run this business I’ve found that there are a great deal of small equestrian business that crop up, and everyone involved with them are really friendly and willing to help out the other little guy, regardless of whether they are your competition. Everyone is really generous, they want to help you grow and succeed as well. All of the tack store owners who carry My Barn Child have been really helpful to me in ways I didn’t expect; they’ve offered me so much help and advice.

What do you find most challenging about running your own business?

The learning curve has definitely been the biggest challenge I have faced so far. I’ve never manufactured, packaged, or had to display my own items before. As a result, I’ve never thought about signage and pegs, spacing and displays. It’s easy to forget all the fine little details that go into every little thing. It’s really amazing just how much work and thought goes into packaging a product that a lot of people really don’t consider.

Another really big challenge I had to face

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was not starting with a business loan. I’ve had to roll everything back into the company and make it grow itself. Keeping up with demand can sometimes be really difficult as well, but tack stores have been really patient with me while I try to resupply. I bring in all the small parts separately and then put it all together, so if I’m missing even one small part, nothing gets produced.

There are a lot of small parts that go into each product to produce the whole finished item, so I have to be really organized.

What’s your go to, must have, can’t leave the house without it favourite fashion accessory?

My number one fashion accessory would have to be scarves. I used to travel a lot when I was in university, and I always had to pack quite minimally. I’ve found that you can take a basic outfit and change it up each day by adding a different scarf. I could probably create a wall of scarves in my room.

How do you keep yourself motivated and inspired day to day?

I love the idea that fulfilling my dreams help me support my daughter’s passion as she chases her own dreams.

She is determined, is a hard worker and loves what she does. The sport is full of kids like her. It’s impossible to not be inspired by them and want to be a small part of their joy.

To learn more about

My Barn Child, or to view available products make sure to check out the My Barn Child Facebook page and Website.

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Make it

Homemade

The holiday season is always one filled with great eats, tasty treats, and a great deal of baking. You don’t want to neglect your equine friends when you’re baking up a storm this season! So we’ve got a couple of easy recipes for sweet treats for your horse! (and if you’re not a baker, why not pick up some Horscotti all-natural horse treats, featured on PAGE 22)

Carrot/Apple Cookies (let’s face it, who doesn’t love cookies?)

What you’ll need: • Oatmeal – 1 Cup • Molasses – ¼ Cup • Carrots or Apples – 2 Carrots/1 whole Apple (medium size) • Flour – 1 Cup • Water – ¼ Cup • Salt – Just a Pinch What you need to do: 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F 2. Then you’ll need to chop up your apple or carrot(s) and mix with your dry ingredients (oatmeal, flour, salt) 3. Next, stir in your wet ingredients (molasses & water) 4. Shape and score, and spray with a bit of oil (make sure your cookie sheet is properly greased and/or you use parchment paper/foil) 5. Throw in the oven and bake for 15 minutes 6. Let them cool and then take to your equine friends for a taste test!

Mint Munchies What you’ll need: • Candy canes and/or mints – about a handful • Flour – 1 Cup • Oats – 1 Cup • Molasses – 2 Tablespoons • Water – ½ Cup What you need to do: 1. Make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F and that your cookie sheets are lined with foil are parchment (less mess to clean up later!)

2. Crush your mints/candy canes. There are various strategies for doing this but we recommend placing your candies into a bag (zippered sandwich bags/freezer bags work best) and using a rolling pin or rubber mallet to swiftly mash those tough little candies into miniscule chunks.

3. Once your candies are well crushed, pour them into a bowl and set them aside for later.

4. Next, in one bowl combine your dry ingredients (flour & oats).

5. Add water (½ cup) and molasses (2 tbsp.) into your dry mix. If it’s looking a bit too watered down, add a bit more of the dry ingredients in until you get a sticky, consistent mixture.

6. Mix away! This is a bit of a messy step, but don’t be afraid to get in there and get your hands dirty (it’s a much easier strategy than using a spoon or whisk).

7. Roll the batter into little balls, and dip the top of each into your crushed candies before placing them on your cookie sheet.

8. Place your cookie sheets into the oven for 20 minutes.

And voila!

You’ve got festive equine cookies to share.

32 The Eloquent Equine

The Eloquent Equine 33

Galla Designs

Horse Hair Jewellery

Galla Designs has proudly made horsehair jewellery for Olympians and international riders.

I offer a large section of unique jewellery to meet everyone’s taste, from silver plated to sterling silver to 18K gold. I am also more than happy to work with you to create that one of a kind piece to hold memories for years to come, whether it’s hair from your own special horse or my stock hair.

I also have a very quick turn around for those who have lost their friend, as I fully understand what it means to have them with you.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have more questions or would like references.

You can also find Galla Designs on Facebook.

// CONTACT // Trish Carter Galla Designs trish@galladesigns.com http://galladesigns.com/

34 The Eloquent Equine

Equestrian Factory Outlet

™

Canada

European and Canadian apparel for horse and rider Equestrian Factory Outlet™ specializes in selling first quality overstock, end of season, end of line, deleted stock items and first quality sales samples of the best known European and Canadian equestrian apparel brands at up to 70% off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. We carry the finest in tack and equine care products as well.

Carrying brands such as Cavallo, RJ Classics, Black Knight Competition Accessories, Loriece Jewellery, Schockemole, ANKY Technical Casuals, GPA Double Clear, Happy Valley Polo, Iris Bayer and many more!

Online shopping coming soon!

You can also find Equestrian Factory Outlet on Facebook.

36 The Eloquent Equine

The Eloquent Equine 37

Ready to Show Pink Equine Tiffany Crystal Browbands ÂŁ69.95

De la Coeur Ready made & custom fly bonnets $95 +

My Barn Child Bridle Charms $18

Seventeen Saddle Co. Saddles Redefined

Ogilvy Equestrian Memory Foam Jump Half Pad $199

Horscotti All Natural Horse Treats $5 (bag of 4 treats)

For your horse

Every great pony deserves to feel like a star!

Accessorize!

Joules Tan Skinny Belt ÂŁ34.95

For the Rider

Ponies are all decked out, now its your turn!

My Barn Child Earrings (Turquoise Crystal pictured) $20

Spiced Equestrian The Skipper Watch $23

Spiced Equestrian The Meadow Coin Purse $8

Tucker Tweed Equestrian Signature Collection Purse $219, Wallet $99

Fashion Forward Le Fash Optic White Twill Tuxedo Open Placket Shirt - $195

Tara Kiwi Gaits of Horses Split Tee $44.50

Phyllis Stein Equestrian Breeches Brigade Tee $39.99

Pikeur Knee Patch Breeches $200 +

40 The Eloquent Equine

Ariat International Quantum Crowne Pro Field Zip Boot - $599.95

Dubarry of Ireland Galway Boot $479

Joules Magenta Printed Wellies ÂŁ39.95

Parlanti Stock Miami Tall Boot $1000

Booted Up The Eloquent Equine 41

DON’T MISS ...

Our Next Issue! Due out APRIL 2013 Seem like a long wait?

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Š K. Eastman Photography