Etsy Equestrians #8: Taryn from Warmbloods + Wine

If you scroll through Instagram landing on a smiling brunette with a gorgeous bay dressage horse, next to a Corgi, followed by motivational equestrian quotes, you have undoubtedly found Warmbloods and Wine, the lifestyle account of Taryn Young from St. Charles, Illinois. Taryn’s carefully curated Instagram account she started a year ago has gained an enthusiastic following of thousands of horse lovers who resonate with her message of hard work and dedication paired with self care in the form of a good liquid refreshment. Did you know Taryn has an Etsy shop?! Read on as Taryn shares the genesis of Warmbloods and Wine, her greatest equestrian challenges, and what the horse scene is like where she lives.

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Describe your Instagram account: how did you choose the name, when did you start, how you would you describe your niche?

My Instagram account was created simply because I felt I was annoying my non-equestrian friends on my personal account. There were always horse shows or clinics, decor, etc. that I wanted to post about simply because it made me happy and proud but the equestrian world/lingo is so niche, that I knew no one understood what I meant and it appeared braggy. I created Warmbloods + Wine around Christmas time of 2018. It was cold in Illinois, I had found amazing holiday equestrian gifts and decor and had a bit more time to dedicate to it. From then on, I’ve grown in organic followers each day and it turns out, other equestrians love a pretty feed, stories about Derby and my journey with Rayne. It has been so rewarding and has connected me with so many amazing like-minded horse girls.

Fun fact: I found out Taryn is good friends/barn buddies with someone I used to ride with over 20 years ago, who I had lost touch with, but am now online friends with thanks to the magic of Facebook! (Thanks, Taryn!)

Tell us about your Etsy shop and products.

Although I’ve had an Etsy shop for quite some time, I haven’t utilized it in conjunction with my account, @WarmbloodsandWine. Recently, I was asked to complete a project (for more exciting things down the road) and display my logo on apparel or other products to show some success and favorability. I honestly thought that I would have to beg my family to buy my products but it turns out, the awesome equestrian community wanted to support us! I’ve only posted a few products — winter hats, keychains, horseshoe decor and scrunchies — but I feel like the market is there and I’ll hopefully launch some new products down the road.

What’s the greatest challenge you face in your equestrian life? What’s the greatest joy?

100% = Work / life balance. My career can be demanding and although I love my job and what I do, I dream about being at the barn, committed to the equestrian world 24/7. I envy every trainer or anyone able to spend their days at the barn, riding and bettering themselves at the sport.My nights are spent at the barn, most every day straight from work. This can cause a strain on relationships because most don’t understand the commitment it takes if you want to succeed. There have been nights, weekends, trips, vacation days….. all chosen for horse things over special events for my friends and family. This sport often means sacrifice and it is hard to explain why to the non-equestrians.

What do you do for work?

I work for an advertising agency based in NYC but I work out of my client’s office – Mercedes-Benz USA – in the Chicago suburbs. I am responsible for planning Tier 2 advertising funds for over 47 markets in the US — TV, digital, events, etc. It is a great job and I am lucky that I am only 20 minutes from my home. In the past, I have had some heavy commutes and it has been tough.

Where do you live and what’s the horse scene like there?

I live in the suburbs of Chicago in St. Charles, Illinois. It is rich with equestrian heritage, as I’m only a few minutes away from the town of Wayne which is home to Lamplight Equestrian Center and the Wayne- Dupage Fox Hunt. There are many barns around and equestrians of all kinds.

 Whom do you regard as a hero or look to for inspiration in the horse world?

 Charlotte Dujardin. She is the British Dressage Olympian and only a few years older than me. I’ve always looked up to her because of her style of riding and her obvious partnerships with each horse she rides. After reading her autobiography, I deeply relate to her extreme perfectionism and how tough she can be on herself if things aren’t perfectly honest or correct. This trait is looked at as a fault by many but I find it as an advantage and a common trait that most Dressage riders embody. I truly recommend her autobiography since you can really tell that she wrote it and she vividly recalls certain rides, experiences, etc. without sugarcoating any of her experiences.

Do you have any horse-related bucket list items you’d like to cross off?

YES! I really, really want to ride Rayne in the foxhunt. [Yes you should! ~ Susan] He likes to be outside and although he’s not the most athletic, I feel like it would be such a great experience to free his mind and cross-train. I’ve been on the hunt for a perfect trailer and once I finally buy one, I’ll be able to trailer him only minutes away to take part in it each fall. 

How do your friends describe you?

Do I have to answer?! I would say a perfectionist and a control freak. It is hard to admit that but I know it’s true. I am organized and like to plan as well. I have always been competitive and have overachieved in school, etc. which has translated into my equestrian life as I’ve gotten older.

 Where do you see Warmbloods + Wine going?

I DON’T KNOW! Being an amateur, you are unable to accept products or sponsorships of any kind, so I don’t see myself being a sponsored rider or riding in the open division any time soon. I think that’s what’s refreshing about my account — if I’m talking about a product, experience, etc. – you know I’ve actually purchased and loved it – versus the accounts who post products for compensation, etc. I have met so many amazing people, and some even in person because of this app. I will keep on posting as long as people continue to enjoy my equestrian journey.

ALL THE ETSY EQUESTRIANS

This holiday season, consider supporting your equestrian “sisters” who have small businesses that help to support their horse habit. 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.

#7 Liz of Liz Wiley Fine Art

#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

#1 Amanda of Bel Joeor Metier

Leave a Comment: Do you agree with Taryn that work/life balance is a struggle for equestrians? How do you navigate the challenges of being wholeheartedly equestrian and doing non-horse life?

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