Hi – I’m Emilie! I’m so excited you’ve found your way to Because Pony. I’m assuming you’ve come to this page to learn a little bit about me (even though I’m not nearly as cool as my animals). But anyway…

You should know that there are three things in life I’ve always known I loved:

1. Horses (if you want to get technical, I love ponies and Haflingers specifically, but all horses in general)
2. Art
3. Corgis 

I’ve been trying for years to combine these things into something spectacular. Back in 2007, I chose to move from my home state of Washington to transfer to a school in Lexington, Kentucky, to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Equitation Instruction. When I graduated in 2009, I started training Haflingers at Deer Haven Farm. At last, in December of 2011, I got my first horse (a Haflinger!), whom I call Crumble, and my first dog (a Corgi!), named Avery.

And thus began my first blog, A Blond, Brunette, and a Redhead.

Through a crazy mix of life events, I have since had the chance to live in Wisconsin, Florida, and Vermont. During my first year in Florida, I had the amazing opportunity to immerse myself as a working student in the heart of Wellington. It was then that I started to find time and desire for art again, which led me to the first phase of Because Pony.

Now, I’m a professional in the horse industry – an assistant trainer and barn manager to the dressage trainer I worked for as a working student all those years ago – and dividing my time between Vermont and Florida while doing art on the side. My life looks a little different than I had pictured as a kid (hey, that’s normal and healthy!). I said goodbye to Avery in 2019, but welcomed Theodore into my life shortly after. It’s a life I love, filled with horses, art, and Corgis. I want to take what I’ve learned, mix it all together, and use it to help me reach my goals; and, in turn, I hope to inspire YOU.