Professional Equestrian, Entrepreneur, and Business Owner: Katie Sparks Shares Her Experience and Offers Advice

/ Dark Horse Farm/

What is it like to build a successful equestrian business? How did someone who started with nothing but an idea and a love for horses—with no backing and riding as a working student—eventually become their own boss, own their own business, and compete at the highest level of the show jumping circuit? I sat down with Katie Sparks, professional show jumper, international-level competitor, and owner of Dark Horse Farm to find out how.

How A Working Student Built A Horse Farm & Show Jumping Business

The Ultimate Success Story: From Working Student To Show Jumping Pro

Wellington Native

Question: You grew up in Wellington. Did growing up in Wellington make it “destined” you’d become a professional rider?

Inspired by Horse Country

Yes, I believe it was influential in my decision to pursue show jumping as my career. It is such a large part of the community there, and that allowed me to realize that it was a possible reality and not a pipe dream. 

From The Ground Up: Working Student

Question: What was it like riding in Wellington as a junior rider? Were you a working student? Do you have any funny stories or difficult stories you may want to share with young riders who may be in a similar situation?

I was a working student growing up and wouldn’t change it for the world.

I learned to work for what I wanted, and the pride of earning the ability to reach my goals. Through being a working student, I was able to learn the skills on and off of the horses that are necessary to operate the business I have now.

I don’t have a specific story, but can say that by working for what I wanted to do, I was taught to be humble and patient, even when my natural temperament is anything but patient. 

From Pro to Amateur, And Pro Again

Question: You were a pro, then became an amateur, and then went back to being a pro. Can you tell me what inspired you to go into real estate and try something different? What ultimately brought you back to professional training and riding?

I wanted to try the amateur aspect of show jumping when I relocated to the West Coast of Florida. I thought it might be nice to take a less serious approach to horses. Ultimately, I found that my level of passion for the horses and the sport really didn’t allow me to enjoy working elsewhere and riding sporadically. So I listened to my heart and returned to the horses full time, and it was the best decision I could have made. 

Starting a Business

Question: Tell me about your business. What is it like to be a successful pro and start your own business? What does it take? What advice would you give and what are some things they should be aware of or be aware of (good and bad).

I have a show jumping operation based out of Bradenton, Florida on the West Coast of the state.

I specialize in hunters, jumpers, equitation, young horses, and sales.

I would be lying if I said it wasn’t scary to start something from the ground up. Aside from the physical things that it takes to start a horse business, it takes a lot of faith, perseverance, hope, and people you trust that you can turn to for advice.

My advice to someone interested in venturing on their own and starting a new business would be:

Have a plan for what you want to have the business do, specialize in what you do, recognize when there is someone who may do a certain part of your business better than you, and don’t be afraid to let that person excel with you at their side (they can really help the business prosper), stay humble and don’t be afraid to ask for help, but most of all don’t give up. There will be plenty of hard days and things that test your grit and faith, but the reward of seeing what you built is worth every moment. 

What Motivates You?

Coffee! All jokes aside, I love what I do and that is what makes me excited each and every day.  even if it’s a day off I still find myself at the barn or working on something at home for the barn. The fact that I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such wonderful animals and the people who surround me as well, is motivation enough. 

What the Future Holds

Question: Where do you see yourself in 10 years? 30 years?

In 10 years I see myself in very much the same place as I am now. The only difference would be the ability to look back and smile at the memories I am currently creating with my fairly new business. I’m 30 years, I would love to be watching someone I have worked with over the years “taking over the reins” (couldn’t help the opportunity for a pun) and continuing the success of the business that was built decades ago. 

Concluding Advice

You can never know everything, so take every opportunity to learn something. It may be from someone you work with, a horse you ride, another professional, or even the people you teach. There is always something that you didn’t know or a perspective you might not have had. An open mind, good work ethic, and a positive attitude can take you where you want to go. 

Contact Katie

Much like her love for horses, Katie Sparks’s passion is clear. She comes across as a truly inspiring woman that knows what she wants and works hard to get it. If you want to learn from one of the best, check out Katie’s contact information below.

Dark Horse Farm
2304 45th Street E. Bradenton, FL 34208

Phone | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok

Katie Sparks Morano, Full Bio

​Raised primarily in Wellington, FL, Katie spent her time as a child riding and being at the barn as much as possible. What started as a childhood request to ride a pony, turned into a lifelong passion for horses. 

Her love and dedication to showjumping opened the door to opportunities to work with horses and top professionals in several locations in North America and Europe including Wellington, FL, Lexington, KY, Ontario, Canada, Switzerland, and Holland. 

Katie moved to the west coast of Florida in 2014 and has since helped develop several riders and horses in the hunter, jumper, and equitation divisions. She continues to do so at her home base in Bradenton, FL. 

While her background focused on mostly jumpers and young horses, she has successfully developed horses of all levels including hunters, equitation, and Grand Prix horses.

Katie's training style is adaptable to suit each horse, rider, and horse-rider combination to draw out the best results possible. She takes a dynamic approach with positive reinforcement, emphasis on fundamentals, and always striving for the next level goal. 

Thank you

Thank you to my friend, Katie Sparks, for taking the time to answer all of my questions about her long career as a professional equestrian and entrepreneur. Katie’s business is of course woman-led, which I can relate to, and I know my readers can too.

I learned from my interview with Katie Sparks that success doesn’t come easy, but with perseverance and true passion, even a working student with no backing can eventually own their own farm and show jumping business. Katie Sparks shares her experience and offers advice as she takes us through her journey from working, junior rider to professional equestrian. This success story is for horseback riders considering a professional career. 

Katie & Me

P.S. Katie is also my best friend and equestrian mentor. I hope one day we will live closer and I can ride with her as her student & client! We’ve been friends for over 7 years.