Beginnings

You made it! Allow us to introduce ourselves…

I’m Ash, a registered nurse, crunchy mama, antique enthusiast, forager of wild things, and creator of natural remedies.

…And I’m Ben, certified surgical first assist, pushover papa, professional metal detectorist (that’s a thing right?), bourbon enthusiast, restorer and polisher to all things old, and guinea pig to said natural remedies!

It wouldn’t be an introduction without the Muddy Mare herself, Isobel! Isobel has an incredible story. In 1996, Ash and her Mama began rescuing and rehabilitating horses destined for rainbow bridge due to neglect, starvation, and abuse. On one of our regularly attended horse auctions at the local livestock exchange, we came across a yearling filly, covered in mud, malnoursished, untouched, and still wearing her tattered red foal halter. The halter had dug into her bay face, and her big brown eyes were forelorn and lacked hope. We knew we had to do something. When she went through the ring, the only ones that wanted this terrified young lady was us, and the meat man. After back and forth bidding for what seemed like forever, the intensity buzzed in the entire arena, and to our luck, the meat man gave up. We won this precious girl for $250 and named her Isobel.

Fast forward 26 years, and the Muddy Mare herself has worn many hats (crowns) including show pony, diva (she is a mare, after all), teacher, and best friend a young girl could have dreamed for. As a senior citizen (who has earned every bit of that title), she lives her life out, happy as a clam on Ash’s parents farm in Fauquier County.

We decided to name our business after Isobel as an ode to the diamond in the rough. Neglect, dirt, and lack of love is often a cloak hiding wonderful treasures and beauty buried within, and although there may be some scars, you can’t argue that it adds to the wonder and mystery of every individual. This is what makes us unique.