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Where Horses Teach Kids to Lead
Confidence, responsibility, and leadership—learned in the barn and carried for life.
If you're raising a young rider—or becoming one—you’re in the right place.
The Story Behind Queen V & Co
Every barn has a horse who quietly becomes the center of everything.
For us, that horse is Velvet.
Velvet is a chestnut mare with a strong personality, a sharp eye for everything happening around her, and a natural sense that she is, without question, the one in charge. Around our barn she quickly earned the nickname Queen V, because she carries herself like royalty and expects everyone around her to behave accordingly.
But like any great queen, Velvet doesn’t just rule the pasture — she teaches.
Queen V & Co began when our daughters started learning how to care for and ride horses. What we quickly discovered is that horses teach lessons that go far beyond riding. They teach patience, responsibility, quiet confidence, and respect.
Velvet takes her role in that process very seriously.
She watches closely.
She corrects when needed.
And when her kids do things right, she lets them know they’ve earned her trust.
But every queen needs a court.
That’s where Mercedes comes in.
Mercedes is a younger mare in the herd who brings her own personality and energy to the barn. While Velvet carries herself with the seasoned confidence of a queen, Mercedes often feels more like a princess of the pasture — curious, expressive, and still growing into the horse she will become.
Together they form the heart of our small barn family.
Queen V & Co was created to share the journey of learning horsemanship, building confidence, and experiencing life at the barn through the eyes of the horses who guide us every day.
Because sometimes the best teachers don’t say a word.
They simply flick an ear, give you the look, and remind you to pay attention.
And when Queen V is watching, you always pay attention.
Welcome to life with the herd.
Meet The Herd
Velvet - The Queen
Velvet is the horse who started it all.
A chestnut mare with a commanding presence and a sharp awareness of everything happening around her, Velvet naturally stepped into the role of leader in the pasture. Around our barn she quickly became known as Queen V, because she carries herself with the quiet authority of a horse who knows exactly who she is.
But Velvet’s confidence didn’t come by accident.
Before becoming the teacher of the herd, Velvet built a career across several disciplines in the show world. Her versatility and athletic ability allowed her to compete and work in multiple roles, developing the experience that now makes her such an exceptional partner for riders learning the craft of horsemanship.
Over the years, Velvet has performed in:
• Reining
• Western Pleasure
• Hunter Under Saddle
• Equitation
• Horsemanship
Her journey didn’t stop in the show ring. Velvet has also worked as both a polo pony and a trusted instruction horse, helping riders of different levels develop their confidence and feel in the saddle.
Behind that ability is a pedigree rooted in some of the most respected bloodlines in performance horses. Velvet traces her lineage to legendary sires including Poco Bueno and Zippo Pine Bar, horses known for producing generations of exceptional athletes and versatile partners.
Today Velvet brings all of that experience to her most important role yet — guiding the next generation of riders.
She watches closely.
She expects respect.
And when her kids do things right, she lets them know they’ve earned her trust.
Around the barn, everyone understands one simple truth:
When Queen V is watching, you pay attention.
Mercedes - The Princess
Where Velvet brings the steady confidence of a seasoned queen, Mercedes brings the energy and promise of a rising star.
Mercedes carries herself with a graceful presence that hints at the horse she is becoming. Around the barn she often feels like the princess of the pasture — curious, expressive, and always paying attention to everything happening around her.
Behind that personality is a strong performance pedigree. Mercedes traces her lineage to some of the most respected bloodlines in the American Quarter Horse world, including Zippo Pine Bar, Poco Bueno, Invitation Only, and Big League Invitation — horses known for producing generations of versatile and talented competitors.
Mercedes has already begun building a show record of her own. As a four-year-old, she earned an AQHA Top Ten finish in Western Riding in her first appearance at the AQHA Congress, the largest single-breed horse show in the world.
She has also performed extremely well in both Western Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle, demonstrating the kind of versatility that makes a true all-around horse.
At the barn, Mercedes continues to develop her talent while learning the rhythms of life in the herd alongside Queen V. She brings curiosity, athleticism, and a touch of royal attitude that makes every day with the herd a little more interesting.
If Velvet is the Queen guiding the herd, Mercedes is the princess.
And her story is just getting started.