My Silver Lining - help me build my barn!

Thanks for reading this!

As a dear friend just told me, 'It's time to start calling in on favors for all the good you have done, Jen." So here I am.

I'm not going to get into the back story, but just to say that the equestrian center that I invested my everything into for the past four years is no longer available to me, starting January 2025 (insert gut punch). What I should have done 4 years ago, I am doing now. Now to the silver lining! That was quick!

I want to front load that we are blessed beyond measure. I have a lovely little family who is healthy. We have a cozy home, food on the table, and we live in Costa Rica; a safe country where there is peace and no war. So I don't want this to be a sob story. We work every day to provide our daughter with an education and cover the expenses that it takes to live in a very expensive surf town. We travel to the US 2x/year to visit my family. Thus, we don't have a savings account to tap into nor family members that can foot us a loan (though my parents wish they could). Shout out - love you Mom and Dad!

As a result, I am reaching out to my friends and family around the world for a little love.

With the support of Alonso, my partner, we are making efforts to build a riding school on our land! Our goal is to open doors as soon as possible as I have boarders that need a barn for their horses, and students that want to continue to ride. We intend to start out simple with a well mapped out plan for sustainable expansion. We have an ultimate vision that is in line with our values and that we will work hard to create over time.

My passion remains in holistic caring for and training of horses and coaching riders not only to become excellent horsemen/women, but to be conscious, emotionally intelligent and good human beings, in and out of the saddle. Beyond that, the center will offer multi-disciplinary equestrian sports from dressage and eventing to equine therapy and working equitation, within a safe space for all. There is nothing that brings me more excitement than inviting my friends, students and their families into the community I call home!

We have designed the footprint of the center, and are calculating the total budget for the entire build. From there, we will start out simple and grow strategically as clients and business provide. I have a booming lesson program with a waitlist of 20+ people. I may lose some clients in the transition unfortunately, but I am confident that I will gain more, as my work and impact in this community is known and stars have already started to align for diverse income streams.

Our initial calculations are looking to be around $200-250,000 but we will have a clearer number in the coming days as we finish the design.

Our plan is to seek various funding streams:

DONATIONS - via Go Fund Me internationally or bank transfers/cash locally

SPONSORSHIP - We will be making many jumps and businesses can sponsor the design with their logo to be seen on social media and in upcoming shows

IN KIND DONATIONS - You name it, we probably need it!

Building supplies, international shipping, items you may not need anymore, lending a hand or a handyman, etc.

PRIVATE SMALL BUSINESS LOAN (micro financing) - Prior to seeking a loan from a bank, we are reaching out for a small business loan from anyone who believes in me, my business, and the impact I make in this community. A budget as well as Business plan are available upon request.

BANK LOAN - lastly we will pursue a bank loan if needed.

Thank you again for taking the time to read this. As we get more details and the design, we will update here.

Any and all support is appreciated.

With deep gratitude,

Jen