Featured Pro: Taylor Avann of Avantaventure Stables, Inc

Taylor Avann owns and manages Avantaventure Stables, Inc. The Canadian-born equestrian transitioned her business in 2020 to offer training in addition to the sales and leasing structure she previously had.

Good Friday and Taylor Avann, sales graduate. PC Winslow

“My business for the last decade was fully surrounded by my personal horses leasing out, but I felt I was at a point while riding Grand Prix that I could start expanding into taking on clientele.” Taylor had been grooming and coaching others who were leasing her horses, making it a natural transition and expansion for her business.

The name Avantaventure is a combination of the French word “Avant" which means forward, translating the combination of words to mean the Forward/Ahead adventure - Avantaventure. Taylor brings this spirit to her equestrian pursuits and is always looking ahead, simultaneously improving the horses and riders she works with.

Visenya and Taylor Avann, owned by Avantaventure Stables INC. PC Winslow

She started riding as a child, before she could walk, because her mom was also an equestrian who rode dressage and some hunters. Taylor has a Welsh Pony that she jumped cross rails with at shows, and she was drawn to the hunters; her interest kept evolving from there. A Quarter Horse pony and Thoroughbred were added to the mix for Taylor and her sister. She collected horses, keeping and learning from all that came into her life, and this eventually led to her original business’s sales and leasing structure. Her time spent with other professionals was also instrumental.

“As a kid, Erynn Ballard and her horse Robin stood out, there was one class at Spruce Meadows during a team event that just stuck with me. I later on got a chance to train with Erynn for multiple years and still look up to her as a rider; she's incredible. Also, my last trainer before going professional, Neil, taught me an enormous amount from basic care, sports care, bitting, ridability and so much more, I really value everything I learned while in his program,” Taylor says. Naturally, she also enjoys watching other professionals and their exceptional horses too.

Visenya and Taylor Avann, owned by Avantaventure Stables INC

Taylor is unique among young professionals because she enjoys the quirky horses with big personalities, who require a bit more finesse from their riders and trainers. These horses may take a bit longer to figure out and more skill to ride, but this also translates to success in the show ring as they give the course their best effort. She also gained years of experience in the decade spent leasing horses to other professionals, learning about pairing horses and riders, moving up in divisions, and experiencing many business and training methods.

Aviatrix and Taylor Avann, sales graduate. PC Winslow

“I think the most rewarding part in this business for me is the experience of watching when hard work and dedication meet,” Taylor says.

In selecting horses, she looks for a good brain first. “I personally want to see a horse at any age show some form of willingness and attempt to understand what is being asked, even if it takes a couple of tries.” Taylor adds that a good work ethic is key, and that you can work through anything with a good brain, and also emphasizes that she likes a horse with a big personality, especially when selecting horses for herself. Finally, she also looks for the remaining wish list that we want in any equine athlete, the step, scope, and athleticism.

Charlie Brown and Taylor Avann, owned by Avantaventure Stables INC. PC Ben Radvanyi Photography

“My most memorable horse of my own would be my Grand Prix horse, Charlie Brown. He passed away two years ago but he was one of a kind for me,” Taylor says. “He had a huge, irreplaceable personality in the barn. He was by no means an easy ride, very quirky, but the BEST teacher because of his sensitivities and quirkiness. He was super solid, had loads of scope and incredible flat work making him a great teacher to begin my grand prix career with.”

Avantaventure Stables is currently expanding to take on more clientele in sales, showing, and training. Right now, that is Taylor’s main focus along with developing her young horses and getting back into the Grand Prix ring with a new mount, hopefully later this year.

Skyfall and Taylor Avann, owned by Avantaventure Stables INC. PC Life With Horses Photography

“I love what I do,” Taylor concludes. “I thrive off of ensuring the horses are physically and mentally at their best and care a lot that the horses, riders, owners, care takers and everyone involved with my business in any aspect truly enjoy their time and experience with me and my business.”

To see the current horses that Avantaventure Stables INC has listed for sale be sure to visit their ProEquest profile!

*All photos courtesy of Taylor Avann