By Britney Grover
Mia Gonzales’ equestrian journey began with “My Little Pony” cartoons, but she hopes it will continue with her own ‘little 
pony’—or horse—in real life. The 14-year-old from San Ramon, California, is the founder and owner of Caballo Cookies, selling fresh, small-batch treats for horses. She’s working hard toward owning her own horse, and along the way is both inspiring others and donating to various horse rescues and equine therapy centers all over her Northern California area just east of San Francisco.
While she saves towards a horse of her own, Mia shows in eventing and dressage, in which she’s working toward First Level. She rides at Beare Equestrian and has been fortunate to work with several amazing coaches during her journey, both privately and through Pony Club. “My coaches have helped me so much in my riding career,” Mia said. “I wouldn’t even be able to answer these questions if it weren’t for all the things they have taught me. I’ve accomplished so many of my goals with their help and dedication. I truly wouldn’t be as far as I am now in the equestrian world if not for the people who have poured into my life both in and out of the saddle.”
How did you become part of the horse world?
When I was 3 years old, I started watching the cartoon “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.” The colorful characters galloping on television inspired me to ride real ponies in real life. It was a few years until my parents finally arranged for horseback riding lessons at a local barn, but once that happened, there was no turning back. I instantly fell in love with the lessons and the pony I was riding. I knew I wanted to do horseback riding forever.
One day, after finishing a lesson, I saw a group of advanced riders jumping over high, colorful jumps. I had never seen that before but I was fascinated and I wanted to try jumping, too.
During the pandemic, I found a barn and trainers at Beare Equestrian to show me how to jump and they prepared me for my first horse show. I started eventing with my first lease horse, a Morgan named Tam. At my first schooling show, I was so nervous I cried! Luckily, I had my trainers for support and to tell me that making mistakes is OK.
Tam taught me how to be gentle but firm in my riding. He wasn’t easily spooked, and put up with all my accidents or mistakes. I’d say he’s my “heart horse,” and I think about him every time I ride. I had all my firsts on Tam—my first fall, first show and first jump, too! I think the horse you ride shapes you as a person—that horse will teach you things you never knew you needed to learn. I still visit Tam and his owner as much as I can. It’s fun to have a bond with a horse that I can jump on the back of and ride into the sunset.
I am now competing in shows with a Chincoteague Pony I lease named Fable. He is such a love bug, but also has a very feisty personality. I have leased him for over a year now, and it’s been such a fun journey to ride and show with him. I hope to own a horse like Tam and Fable someday. They both set the bar incredibly high.
What are your riding goals?
At the moment, I am focused on three riding goals, the first one is competing in a rated eventing show. I’ve been to many schooling eventing shows, but getting to a rated one would be spectacular. My second goal is to focus less on being the best at everything, and accepting that it’s OK to fail at times. I’m very competitive, and while that’s not a bad trait to have, it does get in the way of some experiences and relationships. My third goal is to cut out all negative self-talk. Not only does it interfere with my confidence, but it also affects my riding ability. One of my favorite books on how to accomplish these goals is “Bolder Braver Brighter: The Rider’s Guide to Living Your Best Life on Horseback” by Daniel Stewart. I attended one of his clinics and had the best time ever. I learned so much from the techniques he used, and the situations he put me in. Whenever I need help on my mental attitude towards riding, I always flip that book open and read a couple of chapters.
When did you start your company and what gave you the idea?
During a holiday break from school, I decided to make homemade treats for my lease pony, Fable. I brought them to the barn and Fable loved them. I also shared my horse treats with friends at the barn—and the cookies were a hit! After several friends said they would buy the cookies, I started Caballo Cookies with the help of my parents in May 2022. I chose to use the Spanish word “caballo” for “horse” to honor my Mexican heritage, and it happens to sound good with “cookies.” It’s fun creating something that other people and their horses enjoy. It feels good to contribute and make a product focused on the equine world,
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Before creating Caballo Cookies, I made and sold soap and earned money walking my neighbor’s dog. But with Caballo Cookies, I’m able to combine two things I really love—horses and baking! I was just a toddler when my grandpa, a retired baker, introduced me to the joy of baking. I grew up mixing ingredients for muffin batter and rolling out cookie dough.
My dream is to afford my own horse someday, and having my own business helps me work toward that dream.
What part does your company play in the horse world?
It’s exciting to be part of the horse world not only as a rider, but as the creator of something that makes horses happy. Also, as a teenager of both Mexican and Chinese descent, I’m not the typical business owner of a company making horse treats. I think I represent a new and upcoming generation of equestrians that want to make a positive impact in the horse world. Also, as a microbakery, I make my horse cookies in small, made-to-order batches. It’s homemade goodness, for riders that want fresh, preservative-free treats packed with a lot of love and care, for their horses.
What is the best part about running your cookie company?
It’s empowering to run my own business and earn money toward my goal of affording a horse.
Also, I have donated my cookies to local horse rescue or equine therapy organizations including Zenerosity, Sonrise Equestrian Foundation and Angels For Minis. I’m grateful to donate my cookies and be a part of something bigger than my business and myself. There are a lot of opportunities that I have been blessed with and I hope that I keep inspiring other young people to start something that could take them far in life. I’m thankful that I’ve had such a positive experience in the horse world, and that everyone I meet along the way is so welcoming and eager to spread the word about my cookies.
What challenges do you face?
Some challenges I face with my business are trying to find local stores to carry my cookies or nearby shows to sell at with low vendor fees. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get into one soon! Another challenge is finding a balance between baking cookies, school and riding lessons. It doesn’t seem like a lot on paper, but in reality, everything takes time.
What advice would you give to other young people starting a company?
My advice is to just do it—no dream is too big. Find what you’re passionate about, push through challenges and make sure you 
have people in your corner who believe in and encourage you. Have that support system that can help you do the things you can’t do by yourself. Also, it’s important to ask for help.
What’s the best thing about your life?
Horses are the best thing about my life. I’ve been able to see new places and experience new things because of horses. I’ve also become a better person because horses have taught me to slow down. I’m grateful to be able to ride and lease a horse. It’s a lifestyle I don’t take for granted and that keeps me focused on the right things.
Photos by Sandra Boos Photography
For more information, visit CaballoCookies.etsy.com or follow @CaballoCookies on Facebook and Instagram.
