Meet Madelyn Houser: 'Wenglish' Equestrian Content Creator

Madelyn and her heart horse Leah.

Name: Madelyn Houser

Age: 32

Occupation: Equestrian Content Creator

Site: https://www.theblondeandthebay.com

Instagram: @theblondeandthebay_

Tell us about Yourself:

I’m an FEI Dressage Rider with a passion for taking an untraditional route down centerline. In 2015, I created my platform, The Blonde & The Bay, as a space where I could freely share my journey with my heart horse, Leah. My brand has transformed from creative outlet into a vibrant community as I’ve candidly documented my successes and my heartbreaks for the past ten years. Nowadays, I’ve shifted towards a unique path as a dressage rider by training Quarter Horses for the centerline. My husband, Barrett, is a team roper and professional photographer/videographer for several leading businesses and brands within the western industry. Together, we own four mares and share our life with three dogs.

"Nowadays, I’ve shifted towards a unique path as a dressage rider by training Quarter Horses for the centerline."

Tell us about what do:

I am a content creator, and I manage the social media for another western-based company and act as an assistant to my mother and husband for their real estate transactions.

I offer various packages and content options for the brands I work alongside. From photography to videography, to User Generated Content and modeling services, I consider myself dimensional across all types of creative work. I have access to a professional cameraman (wink, my husband) at virtually all times, and together, we brainstorm on how each shoot should look/the details/fresh perspectives and ideas/etc. I do pride myself on offering a different approach to equestrian influencer marketing - much of this I credit to my incredible community that is SO highly engaged. I love to story tell, and I love to give people a new perspective on a product versus just trying to sell them on something. When a brand chooses to work with me, they’re placing their trust into the creative lens of someone who truly understands their audience.

How did your path to becoming a creator develop?

Slowly, and steadily. When I started TB&TB ten years ago, “influencers” weren’t even a thing. I probably just aged myself. But, I’m not sure I even remember my first product-to-post collaboration! In 2023, I felt called to explore a deeper level of my creativity/self-expression. Something completely unique to what we were typically seeing in the equestrian influencer space. We began to photograph more editorial style content featuring equestrian street fashion versus the usual riding outfit. The more positive feedback I received, the more I realized this is something I’d love to professionally explore and shift away from just product-to-post.

In 2024, the business side of TB&TB exploded. I refined my Media Package, and stayed true to my worth and the value I knew I could offer various businesses - both English and Western. Thus, I labeled myself as “Wenglish” which brought a playful side to combining my love for dressage with our western lifestyle. If we’re speaking on the more personal side of TB&TB, my platform simply developed through time, patience, fostering connection with my community, and speaking my truth as a horse girl. The rest is history, I suppose.

Give us the juicy details, how did you grow your business? What are the biggest challenges have you faced?

Putting myself out there, and not being afraid to hear the word, “no.” Seriously, there isn’t an overnight secret or magic solution to building your business as an influencer or creator. I’ve genuinely poured ten years of my life and heart into The Blonde & The Bay. And, I would say I really wasn’t monetizing my brand legitimately until the last two and a half years. I’ve kept my community at the forefront of TB&TB; without them, I wouldn’t have such a stage to use my voice.

"Consistency is key, but honoring your heart/mental health and taking necessary breaks also plays a role in success."

Consistency is key, but honoring your heart/mental health and taking necessary breaks also plays a role in success. My entire entrepreneurial journey has been trial and error, really. I’ve learned at my own pace, and I’ve learned essentially on my own. From working with my first mega-small equestrian business to now partnering with industry leaders in both English and Western, the adventure has been full of twists and turns. But, perseverance and a dedication to your art goes a very long way!

I think the biggest challenge I’ve faced with TB&TB is navigating creative burnout. We all know that social media can be all-consuming, and it’s imperative that we set boundaries with ourselves in various areas or else it can somewhat control your life. When I feel a creative burnout coming on, I know it’s time to put the phone down and take a breath. Inspiration for new content strikes when my brain is less crowded, I feel. Truthfully, this is why I pay little to no attention to what’s trending online. Every now and then, I’ll put my spin on popular content or audio, but you’ll rarely find me sticking to “what’s hot” on Instagram. I show up to tell my story, I show up to document the journey with my horse. At the end of the day, knowing the root of my content does help offset any challenges I may encounter.

"Truthfully, this is why I pay little to no attention to what’s trending online."

What are your goals with TB&TB?

The Blonde & The Bay has enriched my life in ways I only dreamt possible. My big picture goals of utilizing my platform outside of the screen have already taken shape: our feature in Sidelines Magazine for the December 2024 Issue, the conception and launch of our non-profit organization, The Blue Duck Memorial Fund, the opportunity to host my Quarter Horse and Stock Breeds dressage clinics - affectionally titled The Blue Duck Memorial Dressage Clinic, the clothing designs and collaborations I’ve been included on… I would say TB&TB has been the most fulfilling, unexpected blessing in my world.

"I would say TB&TB has been the most fulfilling, unexpected blessing in my world."

Of course, I hope to make an even larger impact on our community, but who doesn’t? I carry professional goals like expanding my modeling portfolio for both English and western - Ariat and Dover Saddlery, I’m waiting for the call! At the end of the day, the most profound goal I carry is to just be a pioneer in the community for equestrians who are taking an untraditional route with their horse.

What's the most rewarding thing about your career?

My community and all of the friendships, connections, and contacts I’ve gained throughout the years. I have people who have followed me since the beginning - they’ve literally witnessed ten of the most influential years in a young woman's life. Meeting those people, and building the connection outside of the screen has been more special than I could ever say. My community keeps me going even on the days where I think I’m going to throw in the towel. I have the best people in my corner of the internet.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

You are who you associate with… Read that again. If you surround yourself with people who are driven, caring, passionate, and eager to better themselves in their own craft, inspiration is easy to grasp. My husband, my close group of friends, my mother, and the equestrians I follow on social media spark my inspiration on the daily. You are what you consume, so consume carefully and intentionally.

Follow along with Madelyn from The Blonde and The Bay here.