Meet Lilly Ankeney-fox | Blacksmith & Performance Equine Trainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lilly Ankeney-fox and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Lilly, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
As a blacksmith & Performance Equine Trainer, I’ve had the privilege of building a brand that’s synonymous with quality and craftsmanship. When I reflect on the most important factor behind the success of my brand, I’d have to say it’s the combination of consistency and discipline. Consistency is key in any craft, and blacksmithing is no exception. From the selection of raw materials to the final product, every step of the process requires attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work. By consistently meeting and exceeding customer expectations, I’ve been able to build a loyal following of customers who trust my brand and recommend it to others.
Discipline is the other crucial element that’s contributed to my success. As a blacksmith, I’ve had to develop a strong work ethic and stick to it, even when faced with challenges or setbacks. This means putting in the time and effort required to hone my skills, invest in the best equipment, and continually innovate and improve my craft. By being disciplined in my approach, I’ve been able to stay focused on my goals and avoid distractions that might compromise the quality of my work. Together, consistency and discipline have allowed me to build a brand that’s not only successful but also sustainable, with a loyal customer base and a reputation for excellence that I’m proud to uphold.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey to becoming the owner of Ankeney Equine Training & Foxy Trims has been a blend of passion, hard work, and resilience. It certainly wasn’t easy; I faced numerous challenges, including financial hurdles, building a client base, and gaining the trust of both horses and their owners all starting at the age of 16. To overcome these challenges, I focused on continuous learning, attending workshops, and networking with other professionals in the equine industry. I also prioritized building strong relationships with my clients, which helped me establish a loyal customer base.
Throughout this journey, I’ve learned the importance of adaptability and patience. Every horse is unique, and understanding with extreme patience to their individual needs has been crucial to my success. I want the world to know that my brand is built on a foundation of empathy and dedication to the well-being of horses. My story is one of perseverance and a deep love for equine care, and I strive to share that passion with everyone I work with.
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 find traveling through the state of Colorado a perfect opportunity to connect with nature and the equestrian community. I envision spending time in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, exploring trails on horseback through Spruce Mountain, and attending small town rodeos out in Kiowa CO. The stunning landscapes provide inspiration for my life, and I enjoy networking with fellow horse enthusiasts. Additionally, I always look forward to sharing the historic hearts of all local ranches in my day to day to the folks around me. The energy they individually bring to the table is as rustic & as freeing as you can possibly get.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to all my mentors, who has been instrumental in guiding me and teaching me the skills needed to excel in the equine industry. Their knowledge and experience have been invaluable to shaping my career and I am beyond grateful for their support and guidance. I would also like to give credit to my family who have worked alongside me, pushing me to strive for excellence and constantly improve my craft. Additionally, I must acknowledge the horses themselves, as they are the true teachers and inspiration behind my everyday passion. Without their trust and willingness to work with me, I would not be where I am today.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ankeneyequinetraining?igsh=MWRpaHRqaXk1ZDd1Mg==
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550254720927&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Other: https://www.facebook.com/AnkeneyEquines?mibextid=LQQJ4d
https://www.instagram.com/foxy_trims?igsh=MTNhc3F0dzI0MmZ5Mg==
Image Credits
Chase The Paint Photography, Rusty Rodeo Photography, Lilly Ankeney-Fox