The Lil’ Red Roan Who Inspired a Western Gift Shop

The equestrian industry is booming! As technology continues to weave its way into our world, and people everywhere become more business & marketing savvy, we see more and more cool things happening in our equestrian community. People realize they have a good idea, and act on it – much to the benefit of everyone else.

Mindy Hoggan is one of these people doing something cool. Her online boutique business, Lil’ Red Roan, provides fun western gifts for you and your loved ones – there’s something for everyone, and Mindy loves helping people find the perfect gift. We had a chat to Mindy about her business, why she started it, and of course we asked the question – who is the Lil’ Red Roan?

“I’ve always loved to shop and find someone the ‘perfect present’,” says Mindy. “When I find something I think is fabulous…I have to share it with my friends!”

A businesswoman from a young age, Mindy started in retail early on. Beading necklaces for friends in grade school, making belts in high school, and taking on whatever fun projects struck her fancy, she went on to major in business at the University of Montana. The ball just kept rolling, and three years ago, she started Lil’ Red Roan.

“My vision for Lil’ Red Roan is to provide amazing western products and help people find the perfect gift,” says Mindy. “We’re a small family business.”

This promise of personal service is backed up by the products on offer – a large majority are actually handmade by Mindy’s mother, Nancy Martiny. Original Cowgirl Cuffs, Martiny Headstalls, and the Cowboy Briefcases are just a few examples of her quality leather work.

Mindy offers her fair share of creativity as well.

“Love Letters from the West, Babe Magnets, and Lil’ Red Roan Christmas Ornaments are just a few of the little handmade projects I create,” Mindy says. When asked what the best thing about Lil’ Red Roan is, however, her answer isn’t the products.

“FRIENDS are the best thing about Lil’ Red Roan. I love the amazing people that I now have the opportunity to meet and share my favorite things with!”

So who is the Lil’ Red Roan?

“Scorpion was a cute lil’ red roan horse that my heart truly loved to ride,” says Mindy. After a long winter night of brainstorming through a long list of names, wrestling with the choices, and asking friends and family, Mindy started to think about the things that made her truly happy.

“Scorpion was short, stocky, and all heart. Whether giving his all to gather bucking horses or carefully making his way through a lava rock pile to get a stray calf, Scorpion always gave 110%,” Mindy explains. “Lil’ Red Roan is a reminder of a good friend, things that truly make me happy, and of always giving 110%.”

You can check out Lil’ Red Roan’s website, Facebook, or blog.

Mindy Hoggan Photo Credit: Chris Matson