It
was our first time selling at a large multi-day event. My mom and I
were manning the booth, not knowing quite what to expect. There's
always some anxiety at the beginning of a show or event that you've
never done before- you never know if you'll get good traffic, and if
people will be interested in what you are selling. You just nervously
wait for those first few sales, those first few conversations with
customers.
The
event opened promptly at 9am. A few people came rushing by. We
fiddled with our merchandise, changing the orientation of a product here
and there, moving something slightly to see if we could get it into a
better, more attractive position. We sat down in our chairs. All of a
sudden I looked up, and saw these boots. Beautiful brown leather,
perhaps custom, and shining like they had just been polished or
conditioned. My attention moved upward, a very stylish outfit
accompanying the boots that I was drooling over, and a friendly face
smiling at me. "Tell me about these products.”
That smiling face was Cari Swanson. That day, Cari,
without knowing anything about The Simple Equine, patiently listened
while I explained that I developed, tested and handmade all of our
natural grooming products. We discussed a few of her needs, and she
bought a few things to try. A few months later, she placed an order at
our online store. I'm always very happy when we get repeat orders; it
means we are helping horses and riders to feel good and look great.
A
few months after that, I was flipping through an omnibus for
equestrian-related businesses in our area. There were a few articles
throughout the publication, and I started reading one about this amazing
woman named Cari Swanson who works with horses and equines who take part in movies, TV and
commercials. All of a sudden it clicked... I think she's my customer! I
searched my sales records, and sure enough it was her.
Having done a few customer focus articles by this point, I thought it would be amazing to have an an interview with Cari.
I took a chance and emailed her. She replied warmly, inviting me to
come visit her farm and meet her horses. In January of 2017, just after
our first reasonably big snow of this year, I drove up to her farm, in
the Milbrook area of New York.
As
we sat down to a cup of cinnamon tea, I couldn't help but start asking
questions - how often do you meet someone whose horses are equine movie
stars? To Cari, I probably sounded like some
star struck goofball, nevertheless, she took it in stride, her inviting
smile making me feel comfortable to dive right in.
Tell me a little bit about your background?
"I
grew up with horses, from 4H and Pony Club to competing in eventing,
dressage and showjumping. I am also a USDF silver medalist and judge
for dressage. I had a decade long career in publishing, but my passion
for horses brought me out of New York City to a full time riding and
training career. I followed my heart, and horses are what ultimately
make me the happiest. I train all kinds of horses and riders across
many disciplines - young horses, problem horses, beginner riders,
beginner actors, people with addictions, experienced showjumpers,
eventers and dressage folks, and liberty training. My goal is to
improve the relationship between the horse and the rider, for the rider
to be able to read the horse and tune into their energy. My passion is
to teach both horses and people."
How did you start training horses for movies?
"I
had friends in the film industry who introduced me to Producers and
Directors who needed horses. Word of mouth quickly spread when they
discovered I always delivered quality well trained horses who hit their
mark for every take. Be careful what you wish for! I envisioned myself
with horses on set, and imagining myself there definitely helped to make
it happen."
What goes into training a horse for a movie?
"They
must have the right temperament. Patience, kindness, timing and
repetition trains horses. It takes about 9-12 weeks of liberty and under
saddle training to prepare a horse for a complicated sequence in a
film. When they do something correctly, I reward them with a firm pat
and a calm tone of approval. I do not use treats. Too many treats can
shut the horse down when they are full and thus have no more incentive.
Treats also encourage biting. It would be detrimental if an actor or
crew member was injured."
How many horses do you have right now?
"I currently have 6 horses. They are all shapes and sizes, including a miniature, paint, thoroughbreds and warmbloods."
Cari working with RJ
What famous movie actors or actresses have you worked with, and what horses of yours would we have seen in a film?
"To
name a few - Kevin Spacey, Russell Brand, Russell Crow, Ethan Hawke,
Haley Bennett, Jennifer Garner, Viggo Mortensen and Colin Farrell," My
favorite Director is Steven Sodebergh.” Cari
says calmly. "They're all just people like you and me. To be honest,
I'm not star struck by them. I am however, extremely star struck by
amazing equines. One of my favorite memories was meeting Secretariat.
As for my horses you may have seen, RJ was in the movie Hidalgo; he was
one of 5 horses that played Hidalgo. I also discovered and train Listo, a
beautiful white Andalusian stallion now owned by Ashley Waller, who
stars in Winters Tale. You will see my FEI Dressage gelding, Bond, and
Listo in Ralph Lauren's latest advertising campaign.
Bond and Listo at the Ralph Lauren Flagship Store
Do you have advice for other horse people?
"Never
stop learning. Listen to your horse. Leave your temper behind. I love
to teach, and I am always learning from each horse and trainer I meet.
As my grandmother often said, "there are many roads to Rome". Every
horse will teach you something if you listen. Go out and learn from
other instructors and trainers. I always encourage my students to learn
from others, not just me. It can be such an enriching experience,
especially if you travel out of your comfort zone - go visit another
discipline and you'll be amazed at what knowledge you will gain. My
other piece of advice would be to teach from both sides of the horse.
What they learn on one side, they must learn to be able to do from the
other."
And your favorite Simple Equine product?
"I'm
a fan of the Nourishing Avocado Tail Treatment. I used it on my
horses, but also in my own hair. I also use the Healing Calendula Salve
on myself!"
Though our time chatting was up, I spent part of the afternoon with Cari and some of her clients learning about how Cari
uses essential oils on horses. She had her 17 year old trick miniature
horse, Mini Hop, join us in her living room as she performed a
treatment on him. (Mini was featured in a pilot TV show for Spike TV. )
You could tell he was ready for his close up on set as he stood very
patiently for the duration of our time together. Having him in such
close quarters also afforded us the luxury of easily being able to
observe him, see his reaction (becoming very relaxed) to his treatment,
all while being cozy inside Cari's home.
Cari giving Mini Hop his treatment
I enjoyed spending time with you Cari and thank you again for letting me come visit and peek into your amazing life!
Are you interested in learning from or training with Cari? Her Website is: cariswanson.com, Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cari.
