31/08/2021
A back story on myself and the business name!
I started riding at 10 years old in New Bern, North Carolina. The farm was mostly western, but for whatever reason, my 10-year-old self was immediately drawn to English disciplines. Mr. Tom Dudley taught me the basics, and truly lit the spark of my love for horses. Later, my family moved to southern Maryland, where I rode hunters and equitation over fences. I had the wonderful opportunity to volunteer- and later work for- Greenwell State Park in California, Maryland. They have a fantastic therapeutic riding program! Julie Raley, who is in charge of the program, took me under her wing. I was so fortunate to have found her to learn from.
My original goal was to become a professional trainer, so I went to Michigan State University to study Animal Science. Along the way, I realized that training professionally was not the ideal job for me; I struggle to hold horses to a strict 30/60/90 day time schedule, rather than taking as long as the horse needs! I bought my first horse, a sweet OTTB named Tag (JC name Gotta Beau). For a while, I thought I would leave the horse industry and keep horses as my hobby. As time progressed, I kept coming back to my passion for horses, and realizing that I would never have a truly fulfilling career in the world of "normal people."
In 2017, I scheduled my first ever independent saddle fitting appointment. I had taken an interest in dressage. Amanda Berges from The Saddle Tree made the hike all the way up to Williamston, Michigan to help me out. I had no idea at the time, but I was meeting my future mentor! I was blown away by the difference in my horse's movement AND my own position in a saddle that actually fit us both. I always had an interest in the technical side of riding. Saddle fitting was interesting to me, but I didn't really have a clue how any of it works!
Sadly, my Tag had a freak accident in 2018 and he had to be euthanized. To say I was heartbroken would be an understatement. I didn't know if I could ever ride a horse again. Thankfully, I had supportive friends to support me. A great friend of mine, Sara Kolenda, let me ride one of her horses very soon after losing Tag. I knew that I had to keep riding, and Tag would not have wished me to stop. Despite being crushed by my loss, horses were still my passion.
Later on, Amanda invited me to help her run a booth and do a presentation at Equine Affaire in Ohio. I was totally hooked! After the event was over, I worked up the courage to ask her if I could work with her if I relocated to Ohio. She said yes! In the meantime, I started my search for a second horse. I knew that I needed something to be my buddy more than anything else. I went on a whim to look at a little bay roan pony, and fell in love. He was awkward, a bit nervous, but so sweet and adorable that I just HAD to have him. There was no way that I could spend time with this pony and not end up with a huge goofy smile on my face! So, in June of 2019, I became the proud owner of Duncan Donut the pony 🍩
Duncan and I moved to Ohio so that I could work with Amanda. I apprenticed under her for about a year, and soaked up as much of her wisdom as I possibly could! I continue to work with her to this day, and she continues to teach me, support me, and encourage me. Now I have just started my own business to reach people outside of Ohio! Naturally, I had to come up with a name for my own business. While "The Saddle Branch" of course crossed my pun-loving mind, I decided to go with something less punny. Naturally, I wanted to pay homage to my Duncan, so Roan Pony worked perfectly! He is the official mascot, in all of his adorable glory.
I am thrilled to be working as an independent saddle fitter. I love helping horses and people, and encouraging everyone to follow their dreams and achieve their goals- no matter what those goals may be. I am extremely grateful to all of the support that I have received along the way. I love what I do. I love the people that have formed me into who I am today. I plan to get certified by the Society of Master Saddlers in England to further my education and ability to help people.
Thank you to everyone, happy riding!
-Sara
