SIGN IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO HAVE ACCESS TO DIFFERENT FEATURES

FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?

FORGOT YOUR DETAILS?

AAH, WAIT, I REMEMBER NOW!

Sidelines MagazineSidelines Magazine

  • LOGIN
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • Subscriptions
    • Flipbook
    • Subscribe Options
    • Order Individual & Back Issues
  • Podcast
  • Marketplace
    • Business Ads
    • Directories
      • Barns, Farms, Trainers & Clubs
      • Equestrian Services
      • Real Estate
      • Stallions
      • Tack & Feed Stores
    • Classifieds
    • Horse Trailers for Sale
  • Advertise
  • Blogs
    • Show World
    • What’s Happenin’
  • Partners
  • Contacts
    • Contacts
    • Employment
0
Sunday, May 07 2023 / Published in Sidelines Feature, Sidelines Spotlight, Weekly Feature

Emily Factor & Sixteen Cypress: Showcasing Harmony Between Horse and Rider

By Jenna Young

 

Horses have their own way of wiggling into equestrian’s hearts. For Emily Factor, horses became a part of her life as soon as she could spell the word “horse.” From elementary school through high school, Emily competed in the hunter-jumper world before going to college, where she wasn’t able to show horses. After college and at the start of her professional career, Emily felt detached from horses and yearned to have some connection with them again. She was able to reconnect to her roots in riding and training horses at Far West Farms in Calabasas, California. This renewed connection led to the equestrian brand Emily created, Sixteen Cypress (16C), designed to make products for equestrians and their equine companies to showcase the harmony between the two. Since starting in March 2020, 16C has grown immensely. Being a woman entrepreneur can be tough. However, in Emily’s case, it can be extremely rewarding as well.

 

How did you become part of the horse world?

I believe something carried over from a past life. I had no exposure to horses as a child, no family or friends in the horse world. I remember being 5, learning to spell “H O R S E” and it was the ’80s so I was able to find it in the Yellow Pages. Dialing the most legible phone number I could read, I handed the phone to my mother. “Hello? Oh, OK I guess my daughter would like to ride a horse!” That was my start. I soon began lessons at Pebble Beach Equestrian Center on beloved school horses Timmy and Larry.

Group lessons, camps, pony clubs and eventually moving to Cypress Stables in Monterey, California, with trainer Julie Cotton and family, I competed in Large Pony Hunters on the Central Californian Coast. Later, I competed in Children’s Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation. Junior year of high school, I transferred to Stoneleigh-Burnham School in Greenfield, Massachusetts. It was amazing to have a school with riding all combined in one place. Our team travelled the New England show circuit and I rode Junior Jumpers, Eq and Medal Classes, including New England Equitation Championships.

As I entered college and career, competition life ended for me but training and caring for horses endured. Today, living in Texas, I currently own and ride Willow, a Quarter Horse mare I trained to jump during the pandemic. I also enjoy working with trainer Diane Hanrahan at Crossgate Equestrian and riding their beautiful cross-country course in Bandera.

When did you start your company and what gave you the idea?

In 2008 I relocated to Los Angeles from the UK, where I earned my BA in fashion and textile print at Central St Martins. I began running my own womenswear line, manufacturing in downtown L.A., and working with luxury boutiques across the country. Simultaneously, I was designing textiles for other apparel brands and working on collaborative projects across different industries.

After a few years, I started feeling an emptiness and loss of connection to horses. I reached out to Far West Farms in Calabasas and got back into a training program with Lisa Winn (my now very good friend), the Karazissis Family and Leslie McNiff. I eventually leased Joker, a Selle Français retired show jumper who loved to buck every time I sat on him. He was awesome.

Being back in the saddle again, I became excited about a new idea of bringing together my background in textile development and design with equestrian goods. While buying and using all the regular riding goods again, I was envisioning creating products I could not find. My intention became to create classic equine essentials, inspired by tradition and brought up to date with modern function, construction and materials.

The name Sixteen Cypress (16C) encapsulates all the inspiration infused into my brand. I was raised on a quaint 16th Avenue lined with old Cypress trees and finding my way into the horse world through that grounding left me with visceral memories of that time and place. I watched Grand Prix and hunter derbies during the ’80s and ’90s in Pebble Beach, drenched in dense fog and surrounded by dark green forest and wildlife. There was a beautiful tack store in town, Hudson & Company, which also left a forever impression. And, of course, my fond memories of growing up at Cypress Stables. I wanted 16C to be a channel of all these sentiments combined.

How has your company grown?

In early March of 2020, I officially launched 16C as a direct-to-consumer brand, with a gathering of friends at Tancredi & Morgen

in Carmel, California. In August of 2022, I revealed a wholesale range with AETA (American Equestrian Tradeshow Association) at the Dallas Market Center. In just a few months, 16C has made its way to tack stores across the U.S., as well as Canada and the UK, quickly becoming a globally recognized equestrian brand.

In mid-February 2023, I transitioned SixteenCypress.com from a purely direct-to-consumer store to include the 16C Retail Collection as well. The intention is to ensure the collections are available to everyone while the 16C Retail Partners grow—an enviable challenge to have when you find the desire for your products is experiencing high growth.

What is the best part about being a woman entrepreneur?

The connection and support I have with other women in business. As 16C grows and unfolds with experiences like AETA, horse shows and connections through the digital world, I have found a growing support system with other women entrepreneurs in the equestrian world and beyond. Connecting and sharing experiences is powerful. It’s a reminder that we are all going through a similar process, even in the moments where it feels like we’re the only one in the world dealing with challenges—especially during the pandemic years which brought increased isolation.

What great things have happened because of your business?

The reception of 16C into the world has been amazing. The feedback and comments I receive daily are incredibly motivating and what keeps me going. Seeing the result and a happy customer and horse sporting 16C is the ultimate reward. In August 2022, one of the great highlights was winning the “Best Booth Award” at my first AETA.  My significant other, who normally builds out vintage Airstreams and travel trailers, created the ultimate tack room display with torched wood panels and saddle pad racks. We couldn’t have asked for a more welcoming experience!

 

What are your goals for yourself and your business?

I have a great customer following in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. I am working on connecting with retailers and expanding into those markets throughout 2023. I’d love for 16C to keep expanding and growing where I have the opportunity to create new, innovative and sustainable materials from raw form. I’d love to work with fiber and textile manufacturers and explore new ideas that can keep transforming the 16C products and end result to support horses and riders. Product-wise, I’d like to collaborate with other brands who hold similar visions around their products and services. Long term, my dream is to have an equestrian property where I can operate 16C and provide a safe haven for rescue horses and other animals.

What advice would you give to other women considering entrepreneurship?

Whatever you do, first understand who you are creating for—the market, what their needs are—and work backwards to develop your roadmap. Find people you really trust and who have your best interest in mind—and nothing else. Unsolicited advice from others can be dangerous, distracting and set you off track from your vision. I am naturally a “yes” person, but it’s important to have discernment. I am continuing to learn when and how to exercise this muscle.

What’s the best thing about your life?

The friends, family and animals that surround me. They’re what inspires me through each and every day.

 

Best-kept secret about what you do?

The number 16. Besides 16th Ave. where I was raised, it has been a constant symbol appearing throughout my life and with close family members—both here with me now and those who have passed on. I feel it is a guiding number, and when it shows up, it validates that I’m on the right path—in small and large circumstances. It’s also said that 16 encompasses the properties of independence, leadership and a guide for positive change and transformation. So, I keep it very close.

For more information, visit sixteencypress.com

Photos by Anne Sherwood, unless noted otherwise

Double D Trailers Info

Tagged under: Anne Sherwood, Emily Factor, Sixteen Cypress, sixteencypress.com

What you can read next

John French: Full of Surprises
Allison Kavey: Learn More, Work Hard and Be Better
Laura Kraut: Making Her Own Magic

Download Sidelines Digital now from your favorite app store!

Sidelines Magazine - Apple store   Sidelines Magazine - Google Play store   Sidelines Magazine - Amazon store
Update iOS app. Re-download Google Play and Amazon app.

Follow on Instagram!

sidelines_magazine

Sidelines Magazine
As we head into June we wrap up our May women entr As we head into June we wrap up our May women entrepreneur, edition. We were so lucky to be able to feature so many amazing women within the Horse industry. We have one more to share with you, and if you missed any of the women entrepreneur stories head to our website for all of our past issues! Enjoy! 

Hurry Up and Wait” is a familiar saying at hunter-jumper competitions. Unlike other disciplines, where 
riders are assigned specific ride times, hunter-jumper riders typically must check in with the starter at 
the in-gate throughout the day to determine when they will show. In 2019, Emma Fass decided to put 
her computer science background to use in the show industry and created RingSide Pro to allow riders 
to be “ringside” wherever they are.
Throughout high school, Emma competed at horses shows on her horse Son Of A Sailor, aka Ernie, 
oftentimes trailering Ernie into the show for the day with her mom. “That was stressful because we 
didn’t know how the show was running until we got there. Even once we were on the show grounds, we 
struggled to find information. It’s a hike to the rings and the speakers in the barns tend to be 
unreliable,” Emma said. “I would think to myself, There’s got to be a better way.”

For more information, visit www.ringsidepro.com

Read Emma’s full story at sidelinesmagazine.com, and never miss an edition of Sidelines magazine by subscribing. 

@ringsideproinsta @emmafass 
📸Photos by Kirsten Konopnicki, kkonophoto #Sidelines #sidelines2023 #sidelinesmagazine #magazine #forhorsepeople #abouthorsepeople
The June issue of Sidelines Magazine is here!!! G The June issue of Sidelines Magazine is here!!! 
Get ready to meet the cutest, funniest and very talented equestrian couple from California - Evan Donadt and Ashley Donadt. Thanks Jeni Brunner for the great cover photo! 

Evan is a Tik Tok and social media star, along with several of their horses and ponies. So get ready to laugh, and also be inspired by their relationship and Ashley's dressage goals - she's headed to the top! You will love them and their story will make you want to follow them on social media! 

We also feature hunter-jumper rider Will Baker who has a new farm near Ocala, Florida, complete with a cute donkey (and lots of amazing horses of course), equestrian artist Jan Lukens of Jan Lukens Fine Art (if you were a fan of Gem Twist you will love his paintings!), talented Texas dressage rider John Mason who has a great story, hunter-jumper rider Addison Reed who is now showing in the Grand Prix, and we catch up with the amazing Kate Egan and her larger-than-life horse and her story about how she won a car!

Former eventing groom Courtney Carson tells us about her new career, eventer Nicole Zardus shares her story of retraining racehorses for the eventing and foxhunting world, and we catch up with the very talented rider Luke Jensen who is now a professional rider for North Run's Missy Clark and John Brennan. Don't miss Luke's touching story about the horse Jamaica! 

We feature Robert Crandall in our Unbridled column, along with our great columnists who share their wisdom: eventing with Liz Halliday-Sharp - HS Eventing, dressage with George Williams, hunter-jumper with Rob Jacobs R.L. Jacobs and sports psychology with Margie Sugarman. Also enjoy the Show Time pages from The FEI World Cup Finals and the American Equestrians Got Talent competition. It's another great issue!!

Don't forget to visit our website and order a subscription - one year for $14.95 - you can't beat that! In the meantime, enjoy the June issue. Link in bio! 
#Sidelines #sidelines2023 #sidelinesmagazine #magazine #forhorsepeople #abouthorsepeople
🌞 🐴 The HITS-on-the-Hudson Summer Series in 🌞 🐴 The HITS-on-the-Hudson Summer Series in Saugerties, New York, is officially underway! Don’t miss your chance to experience the new Wordley Martin renovations, including the redesigned Grand Prix Ring, featuring Wordley Martin’s premium footing blend. Make it a summer to remember on a riding surface you can compete on with confidence. For more information about building your own Wordley Martin arena, visit WordleyMartin.com.
Ever dreamed of owning your own island? Check out Ever dreamed of owning your own island? Check out this stunning private estate on the Chesapeake Bay.  Contact Brent Berisford- berisfordb@yahoo.com- (240) 372-0661 or Mike Novak mike@ccioffice.com- 410-458-1189 for more information. 

You can always count on Sidelines Magazine to deliver some of the most elite real estate properties! Follow for more!
Load More... Follow on Instagram

From Our Classifieds Ads

  • FOX LAKE FARM
    ALABAMA Allison Majerik Black Hunters/Jumpers/Equitation/Ponies Birmingham, AL 205-991-0624 www.foxlakefarm.com

    [Read more]

  • C. M. HADFIELD’S SADDLERY
    Specializing in English Bridlework and Clothing - Mon - Fri 9 - 5 300 Business Park Way, Suite B-100 Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 800-854-RIDE 561-793-2947 hadfields@aol.com www.hadfields.com

    [Read more]

Sidelines Articles by Email

Subscribe to Sidelines Magazine Articles by Email

RSS Sidelines Blogs: What’s Happenin’

  • Woodside Recognizes the Best in the West
  • Get More for Your Money with an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
  • Longines Global Champions Tour of New York Returns to Governors Island

RSS Sidelines Blogs: Show World

  • Conor Swail Was the Best Bet in $15,000 CSI2* Markel Insurance Welcome at San Juan Capistrano International
  • Lillie Keenan Leads in CHF68,000 South Coast Plaza Welcome Speed at San Juan Capistrano International CSIO5*
  • McLain Ward Wins CSIO5* Longines Grand Prix at San Juan Capistrano International

Category

Recent Posts

  • June 2023 – Table of Contents

    Subscribe for just $9.95 or Order Individual Is...
  • Kayden Muller-Janssen: Equestrian Royalty to Disney Star

    By Kimberly Gatto   For every little girl ...
  • Kelly Prather: An Eventing Journey Around the World

    By Tafra Donberger   Sisters are often at ...
  • Lauren Pileggi Friga & Show The Bows: From Puppy Woes to Smiles and Bows

    By Jan Westmark Bauer   Lauren Pileggi Fri...
  • Kate at the In Gate: Busy With Photography, Riding and a New Direction

    By Jan Westmark Bauer   Kate Kosnoff, bett...

Copyright © 1987 - 2021 Sidelines Magazine
Privacy Policy · Returns & Refunds Policy · Hosting by Lucian Web Service
· Login

TOP
Get the Sidelines Scoop — your weekly look behind the scenes.Sign me up!