Equestrian Equestrian • Our Story

An interesting combination of passion for business, horses and design came together for founder, Carolyn van Schalkwyk, in Espoir Equestrian. Espoir has been a wonderful success story of a start-up company that never gave up, never lost hope and defeated all the odds. The company has grown from strength to strength. Although we were founded in South Africa, in January 2022 Espoir was purchased by another horsewomen, marketer and entrepreneur, Susan Benson, and is now US based in Florida and stock selected dealers across North America.

Susan has built equestrian brands during her long career and was intrigued when she met the founder at SPOGA in 2019. The two worked to bring the brand to North America and Susan has greatly expanded the offerings and is thrilled to see the excitement about the brand both for its competition apparel but also the equestrian lifestyle clothing that has begun to be featured in fashion boutiques as well.

"Design to me is like a creative impulse. It is a feeling of love and enthusiasm for something, and in a direct, simple, passionate and true way, you try to show this beauty in things to others, by designing it." May this be a true testimony in all I do for the company. • Carolyn van Schalkwyk | Designer