What’s In a Name?
Coming up with a name for a business is a big undertaking. It’s a first impression for the organization - the initial thing people see or hear. You want it to be unique and memorable - but also relevant. It also can set the tone for the entire brand, serving as the key initial step to creating the ethos you strive to embody as a business, and be a launching point for your logo, branding materials, etc. All that to say – it’s kind of a big deal.
When I began the process of choosing a name for our farm, I was initially trying to come up with a name for an LLC under which our horses would be owned. Even still, I knew wanted something with personal meaning. So, I started to think of names that had some sort of familial significance. One day I came across an envelope with a letter from my Grandma. In the top left hand corner I noticed the return address. Glenwood Drive… the name of the street on which my grandmother lives, which consequently is also the same street and house in which my Dad grew up. Glenwood Farm sounded nice – and no one in the area had a similar name. And so it became the name of our first equine LLC.
Years later, as I began going through the steps of setting up our business, I began to think about the name Glenwood Farm as it relates to our core values. I realized just how perfect of a fit this name is for what we represent as a brand. Our name was born out of a desire to acknowledge our roots, and alludes to the importance of holding space for the things that have shaped who we are. It is my hope that the name Glenwood Farm reflects the importance we place on remembering our foundation in this sport. This sentiment carries over into not just our training philosophy, but also the way our business is run today. We place a strong emphasis on a proper foundation in the saddle – good horsemanship, correct flatwork, and a thorough understanding of how to communicate with the horse through clear aids. And while we are committed to the success of our clients, adopting a forward-thinking, collaborative, and goal-oriented approach to our training, our operation is very much rooted in and centered around the reason everyone initially became involved with the sport - a love of the horse.
Our logo reflects this notion as well with the tree imagery. Our trees are firmly grounded, but growing tall and flourishing out of that solid foundation. Just as we, as an organization, are rooted in tradition, but always aspire to be reaching for new heights – growing, learning, ever expanding. As a business and as a trainer and horseperson, I never want us to remain stagnant. I firmly believe we can be successful in this space, help our clients accomplish their goals, continue to bring in new information and innovation into our equine management, all while enjoying the process and never losing sight of the deep appreciation for the animal that was the catalyst behind this whole deal. Perhaps I’m being naïve - but I truly believe that’s what this sport is all about.
