Cue “It’s a Small World” music for this Etsy Equestrian feature. Cheryl of Brass Horse Boutique and I were practically neighbors. She grew near Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois which is where I went to school! As I got to know Cheryl through this interview, I learned some captivating local equestrian history! For example, I didn’t know a Kentucky Derby winner was bred in the Chicagoland area in mid 1960s. If you love interior design and vintage horse treasures, Cheryl’s your girl. Read on to find out about her equestrian journey and horse-inspired Etsy shop Brass Horse Boutique.
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Tell us about your Etsy shop and products. When did you start, how would you describe your niche?
Brass Horse Boutique has been in the making for years. My passion project was born from being a horse owner, avid traveler, student of history, and designer. Within all that I started collecting equestrian decorative arts that spoke to me.
My advice to clients is: if something makes you gasp or stop in your tracks, you should have it in your home or office.
Since I live what I preach, my basement became full of wonderful and interesting horse decor. So the time had come for me to open the store I have dreamed about. So the hunt continues for equus art from cultures all over the world, from all disciplines, all breeds and all that makes us horse lovers gasp and stop in our tracks!
Tell us about your horsey background (and elaborate on this great horse show photo!)
Duchess was my first horse and she was an Appaloosa Thoroughbred. This super fun pic from the 70’s was taken at my first horse show! Don’t you love the powder blue jacket? It even had a royal blue velvet collar!
I am happy to report that I took second in my equitation class! The show was a small barn show at a stable called High Style Stables and was my only show. The barn is located in Carol Stream, Illinois and is now owned by the Shriners Black Horse Troupe. So glad I had that experience.
CLICK HERE to Shop Brass Horse Boutique.
How did you choose the name Brass Horse Boutique?
An early jewelry purchase was a lapel pin that is a brass horse head in the Art Deco Style. I still have it and have used it on an antique dress form as part of my branding. When I was developing my brand I knew It needed to speak to me and of me. So with the addition of the word “boutique,” Brass Horse Boutique was born.
What’s the greatest challenge and joy you face in your equestrian life?
I do not currently have my own horse. So Brass Horse Boutique is one way I can still enjoy the beauty and grace of the wonderful creatures. Seeing a horse through an artist’s eye is really magical. Seeing a horse through history’s lens is wondrous. I occasionally volunteer at a race horse rescue so I can go there for a barn fix.
What do you do for work?
Brass Horse Boutique is now my main gig, and I am a freelance designer. In my previous lives I worked in the travel industry for 20 plus years, then transitioned into a kitchen designer and design consultant the last ten years.
Where do you live and what’s the horse scene like there?
I live in the Western Suburbs of Chicagoland and have for a few decades. There is a robust equestrian community here with many interesting disciplines and events. For a non horse owner, I enjoy the local forest preserve equestrian center called Danada. Dan and Ada Rice’s home and race horse breeding facility in Wheaton is where the 1965 Kentucky Derby winner was bred.
Not far from that is another forest preserve called St. James Farm. This recent acquisition by the forest preserve was the previous home of the McCormick family’s estate. I had the great honor of being chosen to work (volunteer) on several horse shows on this magnificent and exquisite (then) private horse facility.
Whom do you regard as a hero or look to for inspiration in the horse world?
I am truly in awe of the Olympic equestrians! All of them from around the World. To ride in partnership with a horse at that level is amazing! My dad was an airline pilot, so I have a very good understanding of the incredible effort that goes into transporting the horse partners to the games. Fun Fact…Horses traveling internationally have passports!
Do you have any horse-related bucket list items you’d like to cross off?
I have a million bucket list items, to name a few: ride sidesaddle in a long skirt, drive a chariot, and shoot a bow and arrow at a target from a horse. Anyone else interested in coming along?
How do your friends describe you?
My friends say that I am funny, creative, and grace under fire!
I can be reached through Facebook (Brass Horse Boutique), Instagram @brass_horse_boutique or Etsy www.etsy.com/shop/BrassHorseBoutique.
ALL THE ETSY EQUESTRIANS
In case you missed them, here is a list of more women from the series The Etsy Equestrians. If you have a favorite horse-themed or equestrian-owned Etsy shop, let me know by leaving a comment here or email me at Susan@SaddleSeeksHorse.com. I’d love to feature more fellow horse lovers.
#14 Alexa of Alexa’s Equine Creations
#11 Rosanna of Interest Candles
#10 Lindsey of The Preppi Pony Company
#9 Nia of Beautifully Beaded Halters
#6 Kasia of Kasia Bukowska Art
#5 Erin Kate of Silver Oaks Farm
#4 Elaine of Bowdangles Horse Show Bows
#3 Carla of The Frugal Foxhunter
#2 Tracy of The Printable Pony
Leave a Comment: Do you enjoy decorating your home with an equestrian theme? If so, how do you acquire your decor?
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I'm Susan and this is my horse Knight. We have been a blogging team since 2015 and we're glad you're here. Tally ho!
