A LOVE FOR RIDING: From Stable to Surf
Born and raised in South Texas, Molly Mattson started riding and showing hunters and jumpers with help of her “amazingly supportive mom” when she was 6 years old. Her commitment to a professional career started at a young age. Molly explains:
When I left home for college in 1997, I had to turn pro and work at a sales barn to stay in the saddle, as my wonderful mother made it that funding my equestrian lifestyle was going to be put solely in my hands. In 2005, I became a little burned out and I decided I needed to out of Texas go on an adventure.
I loved surfing and snowboarding, so it was either go to the surf or the snow. My boss/trainer at the time always teased me about driving the 3 hours to the coast to catch some waves on my days off. I had friends in Hawaii, so it just made sense to go for a few years.
Almost 13 years later, Molly resides on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii with her husband, petting zoo of a family and newest addition, Emilio, the puppy who has taken over the Little War Horse Instagram account.
Her passion now lies in young horse development and the growth of Little War Horse as well as riding surfboards, skateboards, and snowboards. In Molly’s words, “I just love to ride.”
Through the end of this week, Molly is contributing 100% of profits of Little War Horse’s Poseidon's War Horse tees & neoprene bags to the United States Equestrian Federation Equine Disaster Relief Fund to benefit horses affected by this epic storm. Please see below for details.
LITTLE WAR HORSE: Beyond A Brand
1.) What inspired you to start Little War Horse?
It all happened very organically. I never set out to have a business like this…Most of my best friends have nothing to do with the horse business, lots of artists, skaters, musicians, all of whom have always supported my sport and passion for horses, but could never understand any of it including the style, the culture, pretty much everything.
I’ve always been interested in the history of the horse and tried to educate my “non horsey” friends about the fact that they literally had a hand in shaping all of civilization & that there actually was a reason for jumping over some sticks. Not just to put on some weird pantaloons and strange velvet hats.
I knew there had to be a way to:
A) Get some cooler and more interesting clothes onto equestrians and
B) Get more people interested in horses and equestrian sports. Little War Horse was born out of that.
2.) What is the most gratifying aspect of running your own company?
Honestly, if even one person out there likes what Little War Horse stands for and buys one shirt, I find it thrilling! I also love seeing a vision in my head come together in a perfect graphic. We spend a lot of time, research, thought and energy on every piece. The Little War Horse artists hit it out of the park every time!
3.) What is the best business advice you ever received that you would like to share?
Stay the course. Never give up on your vision. I can’t say it’s easy being different from everyone else. You would think it would be, but it’s not. It’s always tempting to throw in the towel and just do what everyone else is doing.
4.) Any other information you would like to share with the Street to Stable community about Little War Horse?
There are no deep pockets here. I have dreams to eventually have a mobile shop. I also want Little War Horse to do work with horse rescues, retired racehorses, equine education, and work with organizations involved with the welfare of horses in underdeveloped countries. All of this is only possible with the support of our fans. You like a piece in the collection? Buy it! It’s the only way this particular small business will continue to flourish and grow.
GIVE to the USEF DISASTER RELIEF FUND
Being from Texas, I originally did a seahorse series because I went through the worst weather I had ever experienced in my whole life in TX in 2015 while slinging saddles AND I felt like I was drowning far away from my family & home in Hawaii. Hurricane Harvey is showing that wrath 10 fold all over again.
In our shop, www.littlewarhorse.com, with every purchase of Poseidon's War Horse tees & neoprene bags, 100% of profits will go to the United States Equestrian Federation Equine Disaster Relief Fund to benefit horses affected by this epic storm. Please repost and spread the word...PLEASE purchase. We may not be a large well known company, but LWH would like to help our fellow Texans and their horses.
Tees $45 & neoprene bags $25. Every purchase helps!
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