By Britney Grover
Portraits by Lindsey Long
Montana Coady’s life has always seemed destined to have horses in it. As a fourth-generation horsewoman, she grew up with horses, began competing at 4 and has worked with industry greats in her home area of Southern California. Her career path, however, has not always been so obvious.
After graduating from the University of Southern California, Montana was applying to law school when something sparkly caught her eye—literally. She discovered an interest in and proficiency for the diamond and jewelry world, and changed course to pursue her graduate gemologist degree with a specialty in diamonds.
Even after starting a jewelry business, Coady Culha, Montana couldn’t keep horses and her career separate—she’s created an equestrian collection that she intends to continue to add to, and has a strong presence at horse shows, all while balancing life as a new mom and continuing her own riding career. Montana lives in Los Angeles, California, where her 2-year-old son loves to ride his pony, Princess Zelda, at Brookway Stables.
How did you become part of the horse world?
I’ve been a part of the horse world since the day I was born. I’ve been riding as long as I can remember. My great-grandmother rode, my grandfather rode horses and my mom and aunt grew up riding in Chicago with the Jayne family and then Rusty and Lucy Stewart when she moved to California. We had horses on our property in Malibu where I grew up. I started riding at Foxfield and then competed starting in the Short Stirrup at 4 years old through to the Amateur/Owner Hunters. I worked with a lot of incredibly talented trainers including Leslie Steele, Scott Wilson, Wendy Carter, Nikki Shahinian, Mike Hennigan and Dick Carvin. I have been riding at Brookway Stables with Archie Cox for 20 years, since I was 16 years old, and John French has helped me in my Amateur career as well.
What are you doing now with riding and what are your goals?
I took three years off riding—I was pregnant and had my son as well as a back injury, so I just started back up again in September 2022. My goal is to get back into the A/O Hunter ring and show. I currently have a new horse with John French as well that he is going to show and we will bring along.
How did you start your business?
I started Coady Culha in 2011 with my partner Bert Culha. I graduated from USC in 2009 and was applying to law school. During that time, I was looking to buy jewelry, became fascinated with the world and had a “good eye.” I decided to take a turn in my career path and went to the Gemological Institute of America and got my graduate gemologist degree. My specialty was in diamonds, and I started brokering/becoming a diamond dealer. I soon realized that everyone had generational connections in the diamond business that I did not have. A friend recommended I connect with Bert, who also went to USC with me, and whose family had been in the business for a long time. I contacted Bert and we decided to start Coady Culha. I work with our clients and come up with designs and the right pieces for them, and Bert sources the stones for us. It’s a great partnership. Bert’s family is in the wholesale diamond business, so it’s a one-stop shop! We source the stones, design a unique and custom setting and then create our clients’ dream pieces.
How do you combine your love of horses with Coady Culha?
During my break from riding, I really missed it. I wanted to connect to the riding world so I started designing an equestrian capsule collection. We did our campaign photo shoot in Wellington with Lillie Keenan and launched it in May 2023. We’re planning to keep adding to the collection and have a large presence at the horse shows. I love combining my two passions.
What’s the best part of having a fashion company?
The best part of having a fashion company is being able to come up with ideas and designs in your head and actually create them and then see them on a happy client. 
What are some of the challenges you face?
Letting people know we have a jewelry company while still staying exclusive. We are quite under the radar and rely solely on referrals.
What great things have happened because of your business?
Being a part of very special moments in people’s lives! We started out mostly doing engagement rings. Being part of that process and helping someone take that big step in their life is really rewarding and exciting.
What are your goals for yourself and your business?
To create a well-known and respected jewelry house while being a present mother, partner and competitive amateur/owner rider again. Finding that balance!
What advice would you give someone considering entering the fashion world?
Always stay true to yourself and your designs. Don’t get caught up in “trends,” be uniquely you!
What’s the best thing about your life?
I feel pretty blessed. I really love my life. I have a wonderful life partner and supportive family, business partner and friends. I get to do something every day that I am passionate about and create pieces of jewelry that are so special and meaningful to our clients. On top of all of that, I have the freedom and flexible schedule that allows me to do what I love most: ride. I couldn’t ask for anything more.
What’s the best-kept secret about what you do?
I get to wear all the fun jewelry we make, I can work from anywhere most of the time and design pieces with clients who also are friends!
For more information, visit coadyculha.com or follow @coadyculha on Facebook and Instagram
Photos by Lindsey Long, lindseylong.com
