Ocala Winter Madness 2024 is well underway! I am full speed ahead with two great new brands, Ikonic Saddlery and ARRO Helmets! I also have a full schedule of Amerigo Saddle fittings along with my Jeanie Clarke Equestrian booth at the World Equestrian Center for Sergio Grasso Custom Boots and ARRO. (Have you been out to see my booth!?) Plus my core group of students are in town for the season, and shows and events are happening weekly!
Luckily for me, I have hired a great person to help me!
Shelby Unks is a former working student of mine and a friend, and she has come on board to be my right-hand man. Technically, I'm supposed to call her my Office Manager, but she is much more than that. She rides my horses, she lives here on the farm, and she is a great team player for all things Jeanie Clarke Equestrian. (Seriously though, get out to WEC to see my booth, it’s gorgeous!)
Shelby grew up in North Carolina and has a degree in Equine Science from Colorado State University. This fall she backed her own young horse, a stunning filly by Bliss MF, and she is training her border collie, Scout, for agility. She and I get along great, and we actually talk about things other than horses: books, her mission trips to Belize, how to build businesses, and what Gen Z ers know that Gen Xers don't.
I asked her to write an introduction for you:
“After being a working student for Jeanie four years ago, I knew I wanted to come back. I had never been around such positive, hardworking people. I didn’t know how long it would take me to come back here but I always knew I would. When the opportunity presented itself in October of last year, I jumped on it.
These last few months with Jeanie have allowed me to work with some incredible brands and people. The brands she has curated are pushing the industry to be more innovative, safer, and supportive of the horses and the people around them. I am proud to be a part of a team that believes in its products and strives to do the best we can for horse and rider.
As a professional in the horse industry, there is no better place to be than in Ocala, FL. There are so many opportunities and prospects in this town. One of the biggest benefits of being in Ocala is, of course, the World Equestrian Center. It’s mind-blowing to be able to work in the heart of the hustle and bustle of WEC. Everyone here loves the horse, be it day-to-day care or the drive to compete alongside them. Everything about this place is for the horses and the people who care about them. I find myself amazed by my surroundings on the daily! If you are reading this, come on out to the booth at WEC, I would love to show you around!”
I’m looking forward to seeing everyone who hasn’t made it down south yet. In the meantime, I hope to see you soon and introduce you to Shelby in person!
Cheers,
Jeanie Clarke