Rusty Brown Shines On Sloan Elmassian!

Since its inception in 1977, Rusty Brown Jewelry has crafted heirloom quality jewelry pieces to celebrate the hard work, passion and dedication it takes to be an equestrian. The past 44 years in this industry have created the opportunity for Rusty Brown to know some of the strongest and most successful women in the horse world. Today Rusty Brown shines on Sloan Elmassian for her success in the horse industry.

RBJ: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

SE: My name is Sloan Elmassian. I am a recent graduate of University of San Diego with a major in Law, Crime, and Justice Studies and minor in Business Management. I am currently riding and teaching at a variety of barns in Rancho Santa Fe and just opened my own training business, Sloan Equestrian. Outside of show jumping I spent much of my time in high school volunteering in my local community. I also have used my winnings from various horse shows to give back to local charities such as therapeutic riding programs and foster care organizations.

RBJ: What inspired you to start riding? What has kept you involved in the sport?

SE: I started riding at 3 and was hooked. My mother insisted I try other activities such as choir, piano, clarinet, karate, etc. But at 9 years old, I decided riding was my passion. I started with my first pony, Pablo, who taught me grit and determination. I then moved up to my first horse, Jesse James, who helped me fall in love with show jumping. My current mount, Colin, has taken me from the 1.0m to the Grand Prix. I love show jumping because of the unspoken communication and trust between horse and rider.

RBJ: What is your biggest accomplishment? 

SE: I have been fortunate to compete internationally and in many big classes, but I would say my biggest accomplishment is winning my first U25 Grand Prix at the Temecula Valley National Horseshow. Outside of the show ring I take pride in my natural feel for horses and enjoy the what the various types of horses teach me.

RBJ: Who has helped shape you as an equestrian?

SE: I’ve been lucky to learn from some of the best clinicians in the business including Richard Spooner, Marcia “Mousie” Williams, Anne Kursinski, and Philippe Le Jeune. My first trainer, Nayel Nassar taught me how to act like a professional from a young age. He taught me to establish a plan, and stick to it, to be humble and never blame the horse. My current trainer, Michael Endicott, has developed me into a true horsewoman enlightening me to the subtleties of our sport that are often overlooked. He has given me the confidence to conquer some serious tracks that I wouldn’t have otherwise tried. My horses, Pablo and Collin, continue to teach me valuable lessons every day.

RBJ: What challenges have you faced? How did you overcome them?

SE: Being a young professional often means people underestimate my knowledge, talent, and abilities. It feels like more eyes are on you as a young professional. But with the help of my family, friends and colleagues, I am able to remain strong and confident. It truly takes a village to make show jumping a success and mine is full of amazingly supportive people.

RBJ: You made a lasting impact for collegiate equestrians through perseverance. Tell us a little bit about that.

SE: Show jumping is not considered a collegiate sport at many colleges and universities. During my sophomore year I felt the calling to challenge that. I made eight appeals to my university and was denied each time. At that point I reached out to the United States Equestrian Federation, with the help of the USEF I was able to become the first equestrian classified as a student athlete. As Babe Ruth said “Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”

RBJ: What drew you to Rusty Brown Jewelry?

SE: As an equestrian, our sport is based off of the bonds we form with our horses. I love that Rusty Brown Jewelry allows me to showcase my love for our equine companions with their subtle and beautiful designs.