Welcome to this latest installment of the Etsy Equestrian series! Over the past few years we’ve proudly featured fellow horse enthusiasts who have Etsy small businesses. The Etsy shops have equestrian themes ranging from fragrant candles to custom stationery to commissioned paintings, saddle covers and more. Today meet Mindy, an eventer from Michigan, who began creating string art out of two major life losses. What began as therapy and a way to keep busy, today serves to delight customers who commission unique pieces of their own horses. Keep on reading and be sure to follow Equistrings on Instagram.
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Tell us about your Equistrings Etsy shop and products.
Equistrings specializes in custom string art and wood creations. The pieces are all handmade by me and I take a great deal of pride in making each piece perfect for my customers. The string art are my most popular items, however I also offer bridle/halter hooks, coasters, leash holders and more!
How did you choose the name, when did you start, how would you describe your niche?
I started Equistrings in the spring of 2019 after losing two of my heart horses, one horse from age-related cancer and my competition horse passed very unexpectedly from an aortic aneurysm. After losing them I struggled with increasing depression and grief. String art became a way for me to keep busy, especially in the evenings.
[Excuse the interruption, but if you or someone you know has lost a horse, my book Strands of Hope: How to Grieve the Loss of a Horse might be a helpful read.~Susan]
When I decided to take my string art public, I had a great deal of difficulty coming up with a catchy name so I reached out to one of my fellow (and very successful) small business owners Halley @Stockbubble on IG for suggestions. Halley put her creative mind to work and Equistrings was born! Since starting this little side-hustle I have been fortunate enough to become acquainted with several other equestrian businesses and artists, though I have yet to meet another equestrian-themed string artist! It’s a small niche that I’ve found, but there seems to be a steady demand for string art (who knew?)!
What’s the greatest challenge and joy you face in your equestrian life?
As an amateur eventer I struggle with balancing all the aspects of my life. Often I find my competition and equestrian goals override my work-family balance. I love to stay busy, but occasionally I stretch myself a bit too thin.
Pinpointing my greatest joy in my equestrian life is difficult! I love being a horse owner and competitor, currently I own a 5 y/o OTTB I am retraining to event and a Dutch warmblood on lease to a dressage rider.
What do you do for work?
I am a full-time physical therapist specializing in pediatrics and stroke patients!
Where do you live and what’s the horse scene like there?
Southwest Michigan is home for me! I live about 10 minutes from Lake Michigan and 3 miles from my parents house where I keep my horses. It’s a rural area with lots of agriculture and wineries. 🍷
The horse scene on this side of the state consists mainly of 4H and backyard riders. The closest cross country (Chardon Valley) is a 45-minute drive. Most of the events I participate in are on the east side of the state, but I also try to go down to the KY Horse Park and the Indiana Horse Park a few times a year.
Whom do you regard as a hero or look to for inspiration in the horse world?
I have a list of professional eventer role-models a mile long, but honestly my mom has been one of my biggest heroes. That lady knows how to WORK. She’s a OB-GYN Doc, an avid horseback rider, road biker, and has recently started building log furniture! She’s raised three somewhat professional and successful kids, and she has shaped me into the motivated and driven equestrian I am today!
Do you have any horse-related bucket list items you’d like to cross off?
I’d love to go back to Land Rover Kentucky again! I had the best time when I went in 2019 with my best friend Lyndsi, owner of @Evolutionary_thread on IG (definitely check out her work!)
How do your friends describe you?
I’m goofy, straight-talking and driven. Often I feel like a bit of a pit bull, loyal and friendly but I’ll cut a person coming after my friends/family.
Remember to check out Mindy’s Etsy shop Equistrings and follow her on Instagram too!
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.
#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: What type of image would you love to have made into string art?
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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!
