By Britney Grover
Portraits by Sara Farrell
Running a quickly-expanding equine nutrition company in Versailles, Kentucky, isn’t something Isabel Sempe ever envisioned herself doing before it became a reality—but her life and experiences put her in the perfect position to do so. Isabel learned most of what she knows about horses from growing up on a 2,000-acre farm in Honduras as part of a multi-generational equestrian family. Her father imported horses from Europe as well as North and South America to breed, sell and compete. When she got old enough, Isabel helped care for and develop most of the horses in the program; there were around 80 horses at a time on their family farm. “I learned about issues mainly from our recently imported horses, who endured certain difficulties due to the difference in climates, environmental changes and incorporating the different new feeds into their lives,” she said.
Isabel began riding at 6 years old and went on to compete internationally in show jumping, dressage and eventing, as well as in Peruvian horse shows. Her first English-discipline trainer was her aunt, Central American and Caribbean Games silver medalist Titi Mills, who instilled horsemanship, discipline and hard work. After getting married and starting a family, Isabel began moving around the world every five years—and introduced her own daughter to the saddle, competing alongside her. “I made lots of connections in different countries who are now part of my equine network,” Isabel said. “I got to know outstanding veterinarians, farriers and various Olympic trainers who are still close friends of mine and part of my vast equine network.”
What are some of your favorite memories of horses?
Some of my best memories of horses are at my farm with my father, riding alongside him under full moons, discussing shows, horse nutrition and our future goals in life. The most fun and memorable times I’ve had with horses were the times spent in Wellington, Florida, riding and competing with my daughter and seeing her flourish into the amazing rider she is now. My passion began hers, and all the memories we made together have become unforgettable.
What was one of your biggest accomplishments in riding?
In one of the countries I lived, I trained with a well-known Olympic rider and longtime friend, Oswaldo Mendez-Herbruger, to be able to qualify for the Central American Games in eventing. It was intense; I had a very difficult mare that took me five years to train. I was used to having challenges in my life and this one, although it took me longer, made me realize that hard work, persistence, patience and passion for what you do really pays off. In 2013 at 35 years old, I was a proud member of the first eventing team to represent Honduras in the Central American Games. It’s never too late to start something and follow your dreams. When you work hard and your horse is your partner, you understand each other and become one. My team and I were able to set the standard and motivate future equestrians there.
When did you start your company and what gave you the idea?
I started my company in Wellington, Florida, when we came back to the USA from our last adventure in Chile. We brought our horses with us and established ourselves in Wellington. One of my daughter’s horses had a tough time adapting to the climate in Florida. He had allergies, got sand colic, summer sores—you name it, he got it. I tried popular supplements as well as natural supplements that were available at that time, with no results. This led me to do some research through my connections, friends and network. My main goal was to use natural ingredients that would help my horses thrive, and with that the research began. I looked deep into all my experience and knowledge from back on my family’s farm, as well as my experiences in other countries; I contacted and consulted good friends in the equestrian world, renowned veterinarians, pharmacologists and toxicologists in my network. I researched and spoke with certified labs and various FEI veterinarians. This research and determination led me to create products that not only help my horses recover, but made them healthier and more responsive in their competitive training. One of my closest friends witnessed the quick and amazing changes as well and asked me if they could try my products on their own horses who were suffering digestive issues. I started a trial supplement program under the close supervision of their veterinarian, who evaluated their horses monthly. The trial was done on 25 horses and the result was that they developed shinier coats, normal stools and positive changes in behavior, and there were noticeable improvements in gut health. To this date, that friend remains one of our most loyal customers and closest friends. Our first product had been born! We now have expanded our line of supplements and equine products and manufacture all of them out of our local warehouse in Kentucky.
How has your company and your role evolved over the years?
My company has evolved over the years by developing new products that keep up with all the challenges horses endure in this very demanding sport. Each horse is different and we’re constantly creating natural supplements to help them be triumphant in their everyday lives. My role over the years has evolved in becoming a voice for every horse, what bothers them and what holds them back from being successful, and to investigate anything else that is keeping them from being healthy, happy and victorious.
What part does your company play in the horse world?
Our company plays a very important role in the different needs of every horse. For a calm, relaxed, focused, healthy and happy horse, we developed three products that have become our best sellers—we call them our “Trifecta.” It contains Digest Plus, which helps maintain gut flora, offers nutritional support for gastrointestinal mucosa, provides enzymes for proper digestion, gastric health, maximization of nutrient absorption, and shiny coat. Balancer Plus is our mood stabilizer, which helps maintain calmness and helps horses focus. Lastly, Equimellow has a calming effect on nerves, promotes relaxation, has attributes to relieve restless horses and helps cope with external as well as internal stress.
We also have another full line of products for hydration, antioxidants, joint, liver, muscle, hoof and hind-gut supplements as well as grooming products. We keep innovating and expanding our products every year. All our products contain no added sugars, food colorings or fillers. They are natural, organic, FEI and USEF show safe.
What’s the best part about having an equestrian company?
Horses are what I am most passionate about, and when you love and enjoy what you do, it will never feel like work.
What challenges do you face?
Our biggest challenge has been our continuing success. We’ve been growing more quickly than we imagined and we’ve had to innovate and buy new technology and equipment to keep up with our growth year after year since we started. Another struggle has been all the other big companies now becoming competitors and having to quickly but strategically keep up with competition on the market, like any business must. We want to keep up with our demand without sacrificing what we value the most, which is quality and service.
What advice would you give to other women considering entering the business world within the equestrian market?
Taking the first step is always hard, but if you do your research and have a passion for what you are doing, you will mitigate a lot of the risk and fears that come with a new business venture. Hard work, knowledge and drive will pave the road to your success. Remember that there is no such thing as failure, just lessons learned. Never stop learning, and never give up on your dream, for it will all be worth it at the end.
What’s the best thing about your life?
The best thing about my life is that I get to work with these spectacular equine animals and meet the amazing, talented, caring owners who have that same passion for them as I do. Seeing their horses and lives change for the better is what makes it all worth it for me.
What’s the best-kept secret about what you do?
My family and friends, who have provided unconditional support to make this dream become a reality.
For more information, visit naturalequineessentials.com
Photos by Sara Farrell, www.threeredheadsandamoose.com
