Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast 104: Werkin’ Women & Holiday Splurgin’
It’s almost time for the holidays, if you can believe it. We’ve got all the best gifts for your horsey friends or yourself picked out. This week, we’re talking to three inspiring women who launched their own equestrian companies. Thanks for tuning in.
Click here to stream to Episode 104.
Special Guests:
Connie DeMaio and Allison Malenfant are the founders and operators of Redingote Equestrian. Connie, a horse trainer from Pennsylvania and Allison, who has a corporate merchandising background, came together to develop a winter riding suit for women equestrians. Five years into the business and Redingote is sold in major retailers across the country and around the world.
Lindsey Schulz-Peaslee is an artist, equestrian, and mother. In 2020 she founded SCHULZ, an equestrian bag brand committed to function, sustainability and style. Lindsey has always been invested in environmental issues, however her dedication to the climate crisis intensified after losing her childhood home in the Tubbs Fire, as well as the barn where she rode the following year in the Woolsey Fire. SCHULZ is the result of her passion for riding, sustainability and design.
More on what we talked about in this episode:
This week we’re drinking a fun “Ring My Bell.” | @g+g
Our hearts go out to our friends at Major League Eventing. We miss you, Rob! | @MLE
These horse ‘sneakers’ cost $1,200! | @cnet
Could wild horse populations help mitigate wild fires out West? | @npr
Thanks to everyone who continues to support us on Patreon! | @patreon
It’s here! Our top picks in the 2022 Heels Down Holiday Gift Guide. | @heelsdown
Lindsey Schulz joins us to talk about why she created a line of sustainable boot and helmet bags for riders. | @SCHULZ
Connie and Allison drop by to talk about their inspiration for Redingote and how the business has grown. | @redingote
Mail bag: “Does anyone take a long riding break over winter? It’s been four weeks and I feel guilty.”
More about our hosts:
Jessica Payne is a 35-year-old international event rider who is rarely seen without her long-haired chihuahua under her arm. She was born in London, Ontario but grew up in Franklin, Tenn. and graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Animal Science. She once lost the tip of her pinky finger clipping her 4* horse, and husband Doug says she can “talk to anyone including a wall….and they will like it!”
Ellie Woznica is a 24-year-old freelance book designer and horse trainer because she couldn’t choose which career to pursue and her mom said she wouldn’t make the decision for her. She grew up showing the hunters and jumpers, but in university, she learned to ride western and fell in love with reining.
Justine Griffin is an award winning 34-year-old journalist who has written about everything from horses to high profile CEOs to her ovaries. (She donated her eggs once.) Two things she loves the most? Whippet puppies and cheese. Justine is a firm believer in unicorns and feminism. So take everything she says with a grain of salt.
Many thanks to our sponsors this month: Ecogold!