From Grooming to Professional: How Stephanie Letts Built a Career in the Equestrian Industry

When most people think about a successful equestrian career, they imagine high-end barns, top horses, and smooth opportunities. But for Stephanie Letts, none of that was a part of the equation. Instead, she carved her own path through sheer grit, determination, and an unwavering love for horses – a journey that shows that success in the equestrian world can be built on resilience, perseverance, and the strength to overcome obstacles.

In a sport often defined by privilege and resources, Letts’ story is a powerful testament to the impact of hard work, strategic thinking, and building a career from the ground up. Her journey didn’t begin with a top-tier horse or exclusive connections- it started in the barn as a working student and groom. Here’s how she turned those humble beginnings into a thriving professional career that inspires equestrians everywhere.

Catch riding became Stephanie’s gateway to the equestrian world, a vital stepping stone that ignited her passion and shaped her career. Riding horses and ponies of all shapes, sizes, and temperaments pushed her to develop versatility, adaptability, and a deep understanding of horse care and riding techniques. Each new horse and pony had its quirks, which forced her to be quick on her feet and constantly improve her skills. But beyond honing her riding abilities, catch riding also allowed Stephanie to build essential connections with trainers, riders, and industry professionals, establishing her within the equestrian community. It was the ideal foundation, highlighting her skill, dedication, and dependability.

At just 17 years old, Stephanie made a pivotal decision to pursue a career in the equestrian industry while attending college online, even in the face of skepticism from some trainers and mentors. Recognizing that working student positions were an essential stepping stone to a successful career, she dedicated herself to learning from the best in the ﬁeld. Through her working student roles, she gained invaluable hands-on experience under top trainers like Andre Dignelli and Patricia Grifﬁth at WEF. These positions allowed her to gain insight into the behind-the-scenes operations of the industry, from competition prep to horse care. She also worked as a groom for Bobby Braswell, for the Indoors circuit, where the nation’s best compete. This often meant grabbing Starbucks in the hotel lobby, waiting for the car, and arriving at the show at 4 a.m. Balancing this demanding schedule with college was testing, but it was a crucial experience that helped her build the resilience and work ethic needed to succeed in her career.

As Stephanie gained conﬁdence and expertise in the equestrian world, her role began to evolve. She moved into a rider/manager position with Michael Morrissey at Imperial Show Stables, a role that would change the trajectory of her career. In this position, Stephanie was exposed to the preparation of FEI and Grand Prix horses, observing every detail from their feeding and grooming to their warm-ups. She also gained valuable insight into how client horses were managed and handled, learning the importance of professionalism and attention to detail in both care and customer relations. Through this experience, Stephanie realized something important: The skills she learned as a groom gave her a comprehensive understanding of the industry that many riders simply didn’t have. This knowledge made her a better manager, rider, and competitor, solidifying her credibility in the industry.

After years of hard work and learning from some of the best in the industry, Stephanie decided to leap into entrepreneurship. She founded Copper Creek Stables, a boutique luxury hunter/jumper farm in Tampa, Florida. Stephanie’s experience gave her a unique advantage: she understood the importance of every detail, from horse care to day-to-day operations. She has an unwavering focus on quality, professionalism, and attention to detail, which became the pillars of her business. Building a business from the ground up required grit and resilience. There were no shortcuts, no wealthy investors, and no easy handouts to rely on. What Stephanie did have, however, was a ﬁerce work ethic, a deep understanding of the industry, and an unwavering belief that she could make it. It wasn’t just about running a farm—it was about creating something that reﬂected her values: quality, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.

Too often, the equestrian world overlooks the value of grooming and farm work. These roles are dismissed as dead-ends, but Stephanie’s career proves otherwise. The work she did in the barn—learning horse care, managing logistics, and building relationships with clients—wasn’t a limitation; it was an asset.

For anyone who dreams of following a similar path, Stephanie offers practical, actionable advice:

Start in any role in the barn: Whether you’re grooming, managing, or riding, take any opportunity you can. Every job offers valuable knowledge.
Build relationships with top trainers: These connections can lead to mentorship and invaluable learning experiences.
Seek working student positions: Work with respected trainers or stables. These positions are stepping stones that open doors.
Create a business plan: Create a roadmap for your future. A clear plan helps guide you through difﬁcult decisions.
Take calculated risks: When opportunities arise, be ready to take them. Sometimes, the greatest successes come from stepping outside your comfort zone.
Stay determined: The road to success is rarely smooth. It’s the ability to persist, learn from setbacks, and keep pushing forward that ultimately leads to triumph.

Stephanie Letts’ story is a testament to how passion, hard work, and strategy can overcome obstacles and pave the way to success. Her journey shows that the equestrian world isn’t just about having the best horses or the most resources—it’s about the grit to keep pushing forward, learning from every experience, and staying committed to your dream, even when it feels out of reach. If you’re an aspiring equestrian, remember this: Your path doesn’t have to be deﬁned by your circumstances. With determination, perseverance, and a clear vision, you can turn your dreams into reality—just like Stephanie did.