Sarah LesslerExpert landscaping meets the unique needs of equestrian properties
In its first year of business, Equestrian Gardens has achieved incredible growth. Founded by Jessica Jones, the company was born from her vision to transform traditional horse shows into more than just competitive events. She wanted to reimagine them as lush, park-like environments reconnecting equestrians with nature. Drawing from the innate human desire to connect with the natural world, Equestrian Gardens designs spaces that enhance well-being while blending seamlessly with their surroundings.
The year was spent taking on new projects, establishing the brand, creating a strong supplier network, and assembling an incredibly talented team capable of scaling Equestrian Gardens’ expertise. Every step was about setting the stage for long-term success. Gaining the trust and support of people and organizations in the equestrian world was essential to establishing credibility, and the company worked tirelessly to find ways to demonstrate its impact—all while bootstrapping the business.
“We took on large-scale projects at WEF, HITS, and Princeton Show Jumping, created award-winning tack room designs for Beacon Hill, KPF, and MeadowView Farm at the Hampton Classic, Capital Challenge, and Harrisburg, continued to experiment with new designs for USHJA hunter derbies and designed sponsorship experiences for HITS. We are knee-deep in new designs for HITS 24/25 in Ocala, which will be unveiled throughout the season, and crafting new concepts for residential and farm properties, especially in the Ocala market”.
“This journey wasn’t without its challenges. There were countless nights away from family, days where I was so covered in dirt that I wished my straw hat could double as a disguise. And those moments of carefully weighing investments in the business while making sure I could still pay the bills at home,” said Jessica. “It’s all been worth it, though, to see the growth of the business and the joy our designs bring exhibitors. As we step into 2025, I’m excited to share designs from our latest collaboration with the team at HITS Ocala and more about our farm and residential projects and impact.”
Equestrian Gardens has spent the last twelve months bringing beauty, style, and tranquility to the equestrian world through thoughtfully designed garden experiences. Equestrian Gardens uses locally sourced materials and designs for long-term ecological benefits using native plants. The business’s focus on environmental impact can be seen throughout its work this past year.
Sarah Wayda, professional rider and trainer from Hunter Farms, reached out to Jess to say, “It worked.” She saw birds and insects she had never encountered before thriving in the new ecosystems that Equestrian Gardens created. That feedback was a true testament to its mission—building gardens and fostering life and biodiversity within these equestrian spaces.
Check out the Equestrian Gardens website at www.equestriangardens.com. To see more of EQ Living’s favorite gardens from the archives, take a look at these table arrangements from the 2024 Hampton Classic and explore the Ladew Topiary Gardens.