Meet Andrea Sponseller | Horse Carriage Service Owner

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

Hi Andrea, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Balance is definitely dynamic. Various factors that are out of our control can have a significant effect on how balanced we feel at the time. Over time, my full time careers have affected my personal balance. I’ve found solace in using my small business to serve as a way to recalibrate. It has always been an incredible creative outlet, a facilitator for new friendships, connections, and collaborations, and a conduit for spreading love. I’m honored to be included in the celebration of couples love and their guests love for them.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m lucky enough to own and operate a small one-horse, one-carriage horse carriage service in Northwest Colorado. I started driving horses in Gettysburg, PA as a tour guide when I was 17 and that sparked a love for carriage horses. Over the years, I drove wagons and sleighs for various outfits in Colorado, but I always wanted my own “rig.” In 2016, I purchased a carriage with “great bones,” but was in need of some significant love and restoration. For close to a year, I stripped paint by hand, ripped out fabric, and eventually repainted and reupholstered it with the help of some very skilled friends. In 2018, I lucked into finding the most incredible horse-partner ever, Chip. Chip is an 18.2 hand Clydesdale. He is as flashy, kind, willing, and as patient as they come. He is an extremely special horse and an “old soul.” I’m proud of our partnership and how we’re evolving as a team. As a small business, I’m still learning everyday. I’ve learned that with incredible partnerships, beautiful experiences are created. I’m extremely grateful all of the collaborations over the years. I’m extremely excited for our future weddings and creative opportunities.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had a friend coming to the Steamboat Springs area in the summer, the possibilities are endless. I’d recommend the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo on Friday night, Strawberry Park Hot Springs an evening, a hike up the Devil’s Causeway in the Flattops Wilderness, and a horseback ride on the Routt National Forest.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to give a shout out to Wendy Davis (Windmill Carriages), Barry Castagnasso (Sweetwater Clydesdales), and all of the incredible horses that patiently taught me the skills I have today. Wendy Davis was gracious enough to teach me at 17 to drive horses and inspired my love for carriages and driving. Barry Castagnasso has been an incredible mentor and friend. His love of the Clydesdale breed and vast knowlege of horses has largely contributed to my successes.

Website: www.truenorthhorseandcarriage.com

Instagram: @truenorthhorseandcarriage

Facebook: True North Horse and Carriage LLC in Steamboat Springs

Image Credits
Photographer BW Photography Studio Model (spring photo in field) Caroline LaLive Beauty Woolies Quality Clothier (spring photo in field) Fish and Cross Ranch