Asmar Equestrian’s founder, Noel Asmar talks about balancing horses, family, and career.
Noel Asmar is the brilliant woman behind the successful equestrian line, Asmar Equestrian. Her equestrian company wasn’t something that was intentionally planned. There were several factors that sparked the idea to create the brand. First, Noel was seeking stylish and feminine riding apparel, but she wasn’t finding it. In 2009 she learned about the experience of having horses at home (after building their barn) and how different it was then boarding. The horses need to be fed in rain or shine, which is how she came up with the idea for the All Weather Rider Jacket. Noel already had an apparel company at the time, so this naturally made sense.
Asmar Equestrian was launched in 2011, first in the UK at Beta.
“The AWR jacket won most innovative rider apparel of the year – and my gut told me that I should do this — I am so passionate about horses, I have experience designing apparel to empower others and my style seemed different than what was in the market — so I tried.”
Owning horses, having a family, and running a business is a lot. Noel shares her thoughts on keeping it all together.
“In 2009 we built our home in an equestrian community. At the time we had two children and I had started riding again, bought two Friesian horses and started training with a local Dressage Coach. But I soon learned, much to my ignorance at the time, that my Friesian Jake was only going to go so far — given I was getting pregnant with our third child, Coco, the timing all worked out and our horses literally became a part of our family and trail riding is about the extent of my riding at this time while I juggle family and three growing companies.”
“Balance is certainly a state of mind, an art of prioritizing and letting go of the undue pressures we put on ourselves as women. There is always a nagging voice that forces self-reflection and I fight with the guilt that creeps up when I can’t be in five places at once. Namely with all our children when a work trip comes up, or I see my horse and think – I need to get out and spend more time with you,” said Noel.
Noel’s amazing husband has been her rock throughout the process of running her business and being a mom. She was able to work from home until their youngest was two, enjoying a balance of work and motherhood. It wouldn’t have been possible without that level of support from her husband – nor would balance have been obtainable.
Noel’s first pony was a spicy Arabian/Quarter Horse crossed named Madonna.
“My connection to horses began at a very young age. My parents knew early on that I felt a kinship, a sanctuary, a place of self-discover whenever I had any time around a horse.”
Madonna taught Noel a lot. She tried a couple of shows, but her heart wasn’t into the competition. She wanted the companionship of a horse. Noel’s current life with horses is similar now, she’s married with three children and enjoys having the company of horses at home. Her three-stall barn is situated in the courtyard. The horses face the driveway as you pull up and can be seen from the kitchen window (less than 100′ away). The horses are just a few steps away from the house.
Shop the entire collection online at asmarequestrian.com
Use promo code STABLESTYLE for free shipping in the United States or Canada.
Thanks Noel for sharing a little insight into your world! To see some of the newest pieces, check out this blog post. Use promo code STABLESTYLE for free shipping on your next purchase.
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