By Laura Scaletti
Portraits by Kristie Scholten
Mother-daughter duo Haydeh and Darya Davoudi are working hand in hand to accomplish their equestrian dreams. As Darya focuses on competing in the hunter and equitation rings, Haydeh has immersed herself in Darya’s equestrian experience.
“My journey into the equestrian world took a significant turn when I became a mother. As an equestrian enthusiast myself already, I eagerly embraced the role of a supportive parent,” Haydeh said. “Through Darya’s journey, I’ve had the privilege of observing, learning and gaining invaluable insights into the qualities that define an exceptional equine partner. That’s what became the catalyst for the birth of our business, Epic Sporthorses.”
Haydeh’s interest in horses began as a young girl living in Iran watching polo matches. At the time and still today, her family owns a team that is part of the Polo Federation of Iran. “I vividly remember there was something magical about horses—they were magnificent creatures, and they captivated my heart,” she said.
While Haydeh’s father regaled her with tales of his horseback riding adventures, piquing her interest in horses, her mother wasn’t in the same magical creature mindset. “My opportunities to engage with horses were scarce, primarily due to my mother’s concerns about the perceived dangers and messiness associated with them,” Haydeh said.
It wasn’t until Haydeh was in her 40s, living in Texas, that she got her start in the saddle. Darya would also get her start riding in Texas, at the family farm in Brenham. “Darya mentioned wanting to ride and I couldn’t be happier than to oblige. It went from a riding lesson at the farm, when we went out there, to lessons once a week at the Houston Polo Club,” Haydeh said. “That ramped up to twice a week, then three times a week and eventually we moved out to TKO Sporthorses after meeting rider/trainer Hanley Morrison O’Neal.”
When Darya met Hanley in 2020, everything clicked and she started achieving her goals in the show ring at A-rated competitions. “Hanley has inspired me to never give up and always chase my dreams. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her guidance,” Darya said. “I will forever be grateful for everything she has taught me and continues to teach me.”
Just like her mother, Darya relishes every minute she gets to spend at the barn or around horses. “Horses are my happy place,” Darya said.
Sharing the Love
Since Haydeh and Darya were each introduced to horses, their love for the animals and sport has grown stronger each year. Not only have they bonded with horses, but the shared experience has deepened their mother-daughter connection. “It’s amazing being able to share the horse world with my mom,” Darya said. “It’s something we both love, and we have a lot of fun together whether we are at horse shows or just a typical day at the barn.”
While Haydeh doesn’t tend to ride a lot, she still gets the benefits of being around the horses, which she feels are therapeutic and calming to her, even on the ground. “I am completely living vicariously through Darya! It’s such a blessing to be able to share something you love with a child who loves it equally if not more,” Haydeh said. “On those days that I do ride, I tend to be Darya’s pony jockey and warm up her horses for her.”
For Haydeh, the lessons Darya’s learned both in and out of the saddle are priceless. “I have watched her learn perseverance, follow through, patience, failure, empathy. In short, riding has taught her grit, and I credit horses for making Darya the strong, empathetic person she is today,” Haydeh said. “Horses have a way of teaching us how to connect based on trust, respect and mutual understanding. As I see it, this connection should translate to the people and world around us.”
Over the past two years, Darya has experienced a lot of success in the show ring with her pony He’s Epic. In 2022, the duo was Zone 7 Horse of the Year (HOTY) Champion in the Large Children’s Pony division. In 2023, Darya and He’s Epic moved up to the Large Green Pony division and once again captured the HOTY Champion tricolor. “Best Blonde was the Large Pony Champion at the 2023 Texas Pony Championships and was awarded the Summer Breeze Perpetual Trophy at Zone 7 Finals,” Darya said.
Darya is thankful for everything she’s learned from horses in her equestrian journey so far. “I’ve learned that you’re not always going to be perfect, and that one bad day or ride doesn’t determine how your next day will be. If something doesn’t go your way, you have to get back up and keep on going,” Darya said. “Ultimately, regardless of what happens, horses never fail to put a smile on my face. They light up my day!”
Epic Sporthorses
When it came time to purchase Darya’s first horse, Haydeh left the experience feeling like the buyer and seller had conflicting priorities. When she got home, she shared these feelings with her husband. “It just so happens that I’m married to a serial entrepreneur who loves to drop me into the deep end of the pool. His motto is, if you can’t find the solution to the problem, be the solution,” Haydeh said.
In April 2020, Epic Sporthorses was born and Haydeh embarked on a mission to help riders find their equine companion and be their Equine Partner in Crime (EPIC). Located at TKO Sporthorses in Magnolia, Texas, Epic Sporthorses is a full-service training facility that specializes in importing horses, from top young prospects to seasoned show horses. Trainers Hanley Morrison O’Neal and Trapp O’Neal are valuable members of the Epic team and both help with the selection and training of Epic Sporthorses.
After that initial experience in finding a horse for Darya, Haydeh wanted to help others select the right horse either for them or their children. “At Epic, we want to do everything we can to match the right horse to the client. Our number one priority is safety. We look for horses that are well trained and well mannered with a quiet, steady temperament,” Haydeh said. “We look for horses that nearly anyone can handle and ride.”
Haydeh believes what makes Epic different from other sales operations is that she is her target market. “I’m able to put myself in the buyer’s shoes. Truly understanding your buyer’s motivation, wants and needs helps me focus on how the horse that Epic is selling meets and exceeds those needs,” she said. “It’s all about the horse and rider and not based on any ancillary factors.”
With sales horses visible to anyone, anywhere in the world via videos shared on social media and sales websites, more and more riders are choosing horses off of short video clips. That doesn’t cut it for Haydeh. “We refuse to buy off of video! If we haven’t interacted with the horses or ridden them, we do not buy them,” she said.
For Haydeh, the purchase of horses for Epic is just the beginning of the process. They don’t buy horses and immediately put them for sale once they land in the United States. “Once they get to Texas, my team and I continue their training and showing efforts, preparing them for their future lives and owners. It’s a holistic approach that ensures both horse and rider are set up for success,” Haydeh said.
Darya plays an important role in the Epic team. “I will often ride the horses and ponies Epic imports and help bring them along in and out of the show ring,” she said.
Community Commitment
Haydeh’s commitment to helping those in the horse industry go beyond finding trustworthy mounts for equestrians. Epic Sporthorses also sponsors classes, divisions and horse shows. As one of the sponsors of the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, Haydeh’s sponsorship helps make it possible for proceeds from the show to go to the Texas Children’s Hospital.
“I’d like to expand how we give back to the horse community and create a sponsorship or grant that can go directly to one equestrian. There’s more to work out, but I want to make sure that happens in the near future,” Haydeh said.
As Haydeh continues to grow the business, Darya looks forward to continuing her riding career through high school and beyond. “Horses have always been something I’ve loved and I hope to stay involved and competitive as the years go by. I’m looking forward to continuing my involvement with Epic and helping Mom expand the business as I get older,” Darya said.
Although Haydeh may not have taken the traditional path to success in the horse world, she’s been able to transcend the norms through her unique blend of passion and determination. “I strive for long-term success. I know the primary way to reach our goal at Epic is through complete client satisfaction,” Haydeh said. “For me, Epic isn’t just a business venture; it’s a vision realized.”
For more information, visit Epic Sporthorses on Facebook or follow @epichorsesales on Instagram
Photos by Kristie Scholten, kristiescholten.com
