Meet Amy Budd

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy Budd and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk-taking is always a fascinating question to me. I do not consider myself a “high risk taker”; however, anytime you are brave enough to start a business for yourself, it is a huge risk. It more often than not does not come with any guarantees for income, benefits, vacations, capital, and so many other factors. I was not always aware, at the time, but since I have been a solopreneur for 30+ years, I realize I have listened to some logic, but more often than not, followed my intuition and heart intelligence. I think this is true for so many entrepreneurs. The desire to create or make a positive impact outweighs any logical risk.

More than once, I have not followed the “logical path”, but my heart’s path. It is not always easy, and I have learned many lessons that have come with a big price tag. I view all of that as my soul’s growth, which has kept pushing me forward and landed me where I am today. I have created the best of all worlds using my business knowledge, my lifelong love of horses, and my deep spirituality to facilitate change for others. Whole Heart Ranch is about helping others show up fully for themselves, their family, and their organization, utilizing the wisdom of horses and the wisdom of one’s own heart.

Whenever I feel stuck I go back to: The mind thinks, the heart knows.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My current business—partnering people with horses—is the culmination of decades of experience in both the business world and a lifelong love of horses. For over 40 years, I’ve owned, cared for, and learned from horses. At the same time, I’ve invested thousands of hours into my own personal growth and development, driven by an insatiable love for learning.

I believe I’m where I am today because I’ve consistently gotten back up after every fall or setback. No, it wasn’t easy. My first business started almost by accident. I was teaching riding lessons and, one holiday season, baked horse treats for all my clients. They were so well received that a business was born. The learning curve—from home-based kitchen to full-scale manufacturing—was steep. At the time, I only knew of one other woman-owned manufacturing business in the pet food industry, so there were no mentors, no support groups, and no internet to turn to.

Over the years, I faced a trademark battle with a major food company that forced me to shut down. I entered a partnership for capital that turned out to be toxic and led to another closure. But I started over. A third time. This time with nothing but grit, hard-earned experience, and a clear vision. I launched my company again—doing it differently. I skipped traditional distribution and went direct-to-consumer online and sold to local stores wholesale. When COVID hit, I was already positioned for success. My systems were in place, my shipping was dialed in, and business boomed. I had already begun transitioning to the horse work, and the timing aligned perfectly to sell the business.

If I’ve learned anything, it’s that following your heart often puts you ahead of the timeline. I’ve spent much of my life creating products, services, and spaces “before their time,” often needing to wait patiently for the world to catch up. At the core, I’ve always been drawn to helping both people and animals. Now, I get to do both—and that’s a gift.

My focus now is on expanding the way we think, inviting leaders to integrate both head and heart in decision-making. It’s not just about choosing this or that—it’s about embracing the power of “this and that.” Horses do this naturally. As humans, we live in a dualistic world because of how our brains work. But horses remind us: every role is a leadership role, and the most important leadership begins within.

The future of leadership isn’t either/or—it’s both/and. And when we learn to lead with our whole heart, we open the door to a whole new way of being.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have a new favorite spot to take any visiting friends – depending on the time frame and time of year. My first choice is always to head to the mountains! The mountains, whether for fishing, hiking, or some other activity, seem to restore the soul. I recently had a friend visit, and we went dog sledding in Steamboat. I can’t recommend the experience highly enough. We went with an amazing company, Snow Buddy Sled Dog Adventures. We spent the day with dogs, in nature, snow, sun, hot chocolate and snacks. It has now become an annual trip!

I have lived and grown up in Colorado. Even with all the growth and change, Estes Park to hear the elk bugle; Pearl Street Mall in Boulder to walk and people watch; Old Town Ft Collins for the food and shopping; and the Wildlife Sanctuary in Keenesburg are still favorites.

To be honest, when best friends come to visit, we often spend a great deal of time on my property. Getting to experience Clydesdale horses in person is also pretty great!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes to an entire village—both human and horse! I’m deeply grateful to my family for always loving me and embracing every idea I’ve dreamed up. My parents have been incredibly supportive, especially my stepdad, who was a powerful mentor. He instilled in me a strong work ethic and helped me reach goals that once felt out of reach, starting at age 12. I was a single mom with a 2- and 5-year-old when I launched my pet food company and pet bakery, and my children have cheered me on and supported my journey every step of the way. Most of all, I’m endlessly thankful for the horses who have been part of my life for the past 40 years. They have been my constant—my safe haven. Their love, support, and quiet wisdom have carried me through more than words can express. It’s an incredible gift to now share my horses with others.

Website: https://www.wholeheartranch.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholeheartranchco/

Linkedin: https://www.linked.com/in/amy-budd

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amywholeheartranch

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/whole-heart-ranch-wellington

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wholeheartranch