EQ P E O P L E
THE CRUNCHY COOKIE This 14-YEAR-OLD RIDER AND BUSINESS OWNER serves up fun and tasty horse treats.
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t just 14 years old, Lauren Smith has spent about half of her life as a rider. “I began riding in 2014 at summer camp as a gift from my parents,” she said. “There, I learned all about Welsh ponies and English riding from my trainer, Kim Johnson.” Today, she owns two ponies, Gayfields the Macho Man (Rooster for short) and Rollingwoods Doo Lolly (aka Lolly). In feeding her ponies, Lauren began to realize that the traditional treats she had been using for them could be so much more. “I realized that there could be so much creative freedom,” she said, “and that I could create a product that is affordable, high-quality, and delicious.” With that, the Crunchy Cookie Co. was born in June 2020. Much like decorated sugar cookies (which she also sells), horse treats use the same frosting technique as cookies made for people. After taking cookie decorating classes and doing online research, Lauren discovered she could replicate the cookie designs 12 | EQ UE S T R I A N L I V IN G | S EP TEMB ER/ OC TOB ER | 2021
for horses using the horse treat icing. The Crunchy Cookie Co.’s Instagram page, filled with fun and silly cookies designed as show ribbons, sunglasses, sloths, and more now has over 2,000 followers. “A few of my most popular products have been the avocado toast, and the animal cracker horse treats,” said Lauren. “They’re some of my favorites to make. “As for the future, I’m hoping to keep expanding my business and focus more on keeping treats in stock,” continued Lauren. “I would also love to partner with other small businesses, such as brick and mortar tack shops or e-commerce businesses.”
Until recently, she has shown her ponies about once a month at the Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America (WPCSA) shows with her trainer Shannon Flanagan of Silent Knight Stable in Krum, Texas. With Flanagan’s retirement this year, Lauren now trains with Julie Holmquist as she starts the Dallas Hunter Jumper circuit this year. Her goal is to take her ponies to pony finals and to continue competing in Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) competitions. “I’m still working on finding the perfect balance between riding, making treats, and my schoolwork,” admits Lauren, who makes the cookies in her Oklahoma home. “I’m a proud Chickasaw, Filipino, and American, and my heritage has molded me into the business owner and rider that I am. I’m thankful for everyone that has supported me and purchased because my business wouldn’t be what it is now without them. My mom has been supporting my business from the start, and I’m so grateful for her.” CONTACT INFO | PAGE 93
