Meet Mercedes.
Mercedes' journey is woven with passion, adventure, resilience, and a profound love for horses.
Growing up on a sprawling 120-acre Equestrian Facility in central Illinois, she was immersed in the gentle art of horsemanship from an early age, a lesson in kindness that would shape her journey profoundly.
Venturing into academia, Mercedes pursued a degree in Public Relations and Communications. A whirlwind of exploration marked her twenties and thirties as she traversed various industries—from marketing and outdoor hospitality to brewing and construction—across different corners of the country.
Yet, despite the twists and turns of her professional journey, Mercedes felt the magnetic pull of her childhood affinity for horses beckoning her back.
Reconnecting with her roots, she re-entered the equestrian world, embarking on a transformative journey by adopting a wild BLM Mustang.
This rekindled passion brought with it a set of unexpected challenges.
Mercedes grappled with anxiety and a lack of self-confidence, particularly in the saddle. Undeterred, she committed herself to a profound exploration of true horsemanship. Over the past six years, she has immersed herself in a tapestry of learning experiences, seeking guidance from seasoned professionals across disciplines like Horsemanship, Dressage, Ranch Riding and English Equitation.
Beyond the arena, Mercedes also embarked on a personal development journey, working closely with a professional Life Coach and Emotional Resistance Trainer.
Through the guiding light of her wild Mustang, Bud, and the wisdom of her life coach, Mercedes has discovered a reservoir of courage and self-confidence by embracing the present moment.
Her quest for growth has taken her on extraordinary equine adventures, from traversing Hawaii on horseback to exploring the rugged mountains of Alaska and riding across the savannah in South Africa's Waterberg Mountains.
Central to her journey is the practice of mindfulness—a dedication to breathwork and meditation that not only calms her spirit but also prepares her for the rhythmic dance of horse and rider.
With each stride, Mercedes continues to unravel the layers of her being, embracing vulnerability and emerging stronger, more grounded, and deeply connected to herself and her equine companions.
Through her travels, lessons with horses, and personal coaching, Mercedes seeks to share her journey of overcoming anxiety and fear while cultivating a more profound sense of self-love and confidence. She hopes to inspire fellow equestrian enthusiasts to embrace their journeys with courage, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of the human-horse connection.