Celebrating the 2025 Boss Mares, Inc. Business and Educational Grant Recipients — A Beautiful Afternoon of Fellowship, Gratitude, and Growth

Today was a truly special day for the 2025 Boss Mares, Inc. Business and Educational Grant recipients made even more memorable thanks to the warm hospitality of Ellen Bell, who graciously opened her home to host a beautiful luncheon in our honor. From all of us—THANK YOU, Ellen—for welcoming the herd into your home and making today’s gathering such a heartfelt and memorable experience.

The luncheon brought together recipients and donors for an afternoon filled with networking, new friendships, business connections, good food, laughter, countless connection opportunities, and photo opps to mark the occasion. It was a chance for recipients to personally thank the generous donors who make the Leg Up Grant possible, and for everyone to celebrate the incredible community that Boss Mares continues to build in the Western and agricultural industries.

A Big Thank You to Boss Mares, Inc. — A Dream Turned Into a Legacy

We extend our deepest gratitude to Boss Mares, Inc., whose mission and dedication make days like today possible. What began as a bold dream—to offer Lead the Herd Workshops and award Business & Education Grants—has grown into a thriving organization now in its third year. Boss Mares continues to expand its impact, serving as a true example of herd leadership, mentorship, and support for women across the equine and Western industries.

What Boss Mares Does

Boss Mares empowers women through:

• Lead the Herd Workshops High-impact learning events where Western women gather to learn from experts in law, finance, marketing, leadership, and career development—all in a welcoming environment that encourages open dialogue and practical skills.

• Business & Education Grants (Leg Up Grants) Designed to provide personalized support where women need it most, helping them strengthen their business, advance their careers, and reach their professional goals.

Boss Mares continues to go above and beyond, delivering far more than their original mission and enriching the lives and careers of countless women in the industry.

Texas Equine’s Connection to Boss Mares

Texas Equine’s own Kim Williams first discovered Boss Mares at the 2025 Lead the Herd Workshop. At the time, she was unsure about pursuing publication for the stories she’d written about the horses at Texas Equine. But after being inspired by the presenters and 2024 grant recipients, she took a leap of faith and applied for the Leg Up Grant. That leap paid off—Kim was selected as one of the 12 recipients of the 2025 Leg Up Grant!

Thanks to Boss Mares and its generous donors, Kim’s collection of stories is becoming Texas Equine Adventures, a children’s book series for grades 3–5 that dives into the daily life, challenges, and heartfelt experiences shared between Shelby and the beloved horses of Texas Equine. Each book blends education, animal stories, equine vocabulary, and real-world learning—all told through the personalities and adventures of the horses your readers already know and love.

The first book in the series will be arriving soon, and we can’t wait to share every moment with you!

Why Boss Mares Matters to the Equine Industry

Boss Mares, Inc. is a true gem—lifting up women in agriculture and the Western world by investing in their dreams and giving them a “leg up” toward professional success. Their events and grants support women who have a vision, helping them build businesses and careers that leave a lasting impact on the industry.

It takes a herd to support the Boss Mares—and this herd is strong.

Ways to Support the Next Generation of Cowgirl Entrepreneurs

Boss Mares offers several levels of support for those who want to make an impact:

• Lead Mare – $10,000 Title Sponsor for an event.

• Blue Hen Donor – $5,000 Honors the first 25 donors who laid the foundation of the organization—women who leave a generational impact.

• Herd Supporter – $2,500–$5,000 Help support a speaker or reception at a Lead the Herd Workshop.

• Remuda Member – $100–$4,999 Partner with other donors to fund Business & Education Grants.

• Herd of Honor – $100+ Nominate a special woman to be honored and receive a limited-edition Fringe Scarves twilly for both of you.

• 100% of all gifts go directly to grants and programs, making every donation meaningful and impactful.

• Support Boss Mares here: https://www.bossmaresinc.org/donate

Looking Ahead — 2026 Opportunities

While details for the 2026 Lead the Herd Workshop have not yet been released, Boss Mares, Inc. will open applications for its 2026 Business & Education Grant Program in early 2026. The 2025 workshop was hosted at the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, Texas, and we anticipate 2026 may be held there as well.

Texas Equine will post updates as soon as more information becomes available!

A Final Word of Gratitude

Today’s luncheon was a beautiful reminder of the power of women supporting women. Thank you again to Ellen Bell for hosting, to all the donors who make the Leg Up Grant possible, to Boss Mares, Inc. for your vision and leadership, and to the inspiring women who make up this year’s recipient class.

A great time was had by all—and the future of our herd looks bright.

Here’s to leadership, mentorship, community, and the Boss Mares who make it all happen.🧡