Today we’d like to introduce you to Marta Renilla.
Hi Marta , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a United States and Spain National. I’ve been an International Grand Prix Dressage trainer and USDF Gold, Silver & Bronze Medalist for 14 years. Originally from Spain, I operate out of my Dressage training facility in North Houston, called Woodlands Equestrian Club (known as WEC). I am considered one of the top up and upcoming dressage riders in the US and try to compete at all the southern competitions and some Internationals in KY, FL or IL. I helped my husband Anartz Chanca to obtain his USDF Gold Medal and we both compete at WEC and live with our three boys by the facility. WEC was founded in 2010 by my father, sister and myself.
Our business a Dressage training university for horses, besides being a place for riders of all ages and levels to learn the Olympic sport of Dressage. At WEC we sell imported and local horses of different breeds and ages. WEC also boards and trains horses and riders and it’s a clear example of a local business in our Woodlands community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It is never easy start a business of this complexity. But thanks to my passion for horses and Dressage plus my commitment to finding great homes for the horses I train, we have developed a solid reputation all over the country. I am one of those lucky individuals whose work is also their hobby! I don’t miss being in vacations since I already do my passion each day while my family supports me emotionally. If I had to mention my toughest moments I would have to say they would be at delegating and finding the right personnel and suppliers.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are unique in what we do. The search for the perfect dressage horse can be frustrating for buyers. My goal is to help each rider to make their horse shopping experience a real pleasure! Our showcase of Dressage horses has overall variety and quality. All horses are trained at Woodlands Equestrian Club, here in Houston, so buyers just need to do one stop in order to see a wide display of horses! It is that easy! They do not need to worry about importing from Europe since we have already done it for them.
My family and I are committed to our clients and will advise for the best sports horse for their specific needs. Since 2010, we specialize in Importing high-quality sports horses from the best breeders in Europe, Mexico & USA. Once the selected horses arrive in Houston, I train them and move them up in the levels… so by the time the client visits us, they can choose among a great variety of wonderful Dressage horses of different breeds, ages, colors, and sizes and with x-rays available.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
We learnt to appreciate our health, that’s for sure! I’ve experienced very close cases of Covid in my family including my dad and baby boy! Thankfully they have recovered. There is not one day I don’t thank life for my family’s health. As far as the business we monitored the situation closely to make sure that our staff, customers and suppliers, along with their families stayed safe. We reinvented ourselves to keep our feeding and training routine as usual for all our client’s and own horses, with the addition of taking all precautions and cleaning habits. We have kept selling horses perfectly trained daily and growing up in the levels by following the safety protocols in an outdoor environment.
In addition, we opened the possibility to schedule Facetime calls for your remote visits and send any additional videos per horse our buyer may be interested in, to avoid them traveling to Houston.
Contact Info:
- Email: ana@europeandressagehorses.com
- Website: www.martarenilla.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Marta-Renilla-Dressage-253027401443272
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/anarenilla
Image Credits
Susan Stickle
