I feel like a bit of a broken record saying this, but wow—this has been a rough year. Honestly, it feels like the pandemic kicked off a wild series of years that just hasn’t let up, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
If nothing else, this year has been a master class in resilience, mental flexibility, and learning to let go of specific outcomes. I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t mind a few good old-fashioned boring years! I’m not someone who thrives on constant change and unpredictability, so these past few years have really challenged me to dig deep.
If I’m being totally honest, I’ve questioned what I’m doing with this business—whether I should keep going or call it quits. But quitting is just not me. I’ve always tried to see adversity as an opportunity—to explore a new or better path—and I know that if I give up, I’ll never find out what might have been if I’d just tried one more time or approached things differently. I guess I’m just a bit stubborn.
So this year has been one of soul-searching. I’ve been revisiting why I started Mare in the first place, and it’s reminded me how vital that “why” is for any business. For me, Mare has always been deeply personal. It’s about sharing my love of horses with the world and celebrating the incredible ways these animals transform us.
Over the past six years with my horse, Soccorro (aka #TheMareMare), I’ve grown so much. She’s made me more curious, more connected, and more compassionate. I love horses—and all animals—more profoundly than ever because I’ve become more interested and invested in understanding them and focusing on our connection and relationship.
And honestly, the same is true for this business.
Since selling my mobile unit last year, I haven’t been at as many local shows, but a few weeks ago I went to Dressage Finals at the Georgia International Horse Park and then to the Maryland 5 Star. Both reminded me just how important you all are to me—my friends, my customers, my community.
Through Mare, I’ve met so many amazing horse lovers, riders, entrepreneurs, and event organizers who have become lifelong friends. I know about your lives, your horses, your dreams—and it feels like we’re walking this journey together.
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We’re a diverse group, but we share some similar core values: love and respect for our horses, and for each other. I’m endlessly grateful for that. Your encouragement, kindness, and inspiring stories mean the world to me. Truly—you are the fuel that keeps me going.
As we roll into the holiday season, I hope you feel all the love, joy, and inspiration that I pour into Mare and I hope my little brand—my labor of love—makes you smile, feel seen, and reminds you just how deeply you love your horses, too.