An Inspired Chat with Jill Regalado of Meggett

We recently had the chance to connect with Jill Regalado and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jill , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
When I tell a stranger that I work with horses for a living, I am almost always met with a romanticized response of “Wow, horses are so special- you are so lucky!” which is then quickly followed by a nostalgic story of the person’s horse experience.

Now I do agree, most days I am very lucky to be pursuing my childhood dream- but many people do not quite realize the scope of the grit it takes to continue in this industry long term. This career path is a lifestyle choice and it is not for everyone. The everyday grind of an equine related job hits a little different because this is not a job you can just slam your laptop shut until Monday. In fact, if you do try to take some time off or plan a nice holiday, horses almost always find a way to interrupt said plans by getting hurt or sick. Murphy’s law and horses tend to go hand in hand more often than not. So everyday working with horses is not guaranteed to be an explosion of unicorn dust and rainbows, in fact its actually almost always sprinkled with different levels of choas, but when those unicorn of days come along, they are magic.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a mom to two little boys and I own and operate Wanderlust Pony Services LLC. Previously I worked for some of the top hunter jumper professionals in the industry, spending a lot of time on the road traveling to some of the top competitions. My business started out in 2021 just as body clipping horses- then it evolved into teaching some lessons here and there, then I was taking more people to shows and now I have my own boarding and training facility. Wanderlust is a small operation that can provide a more personalized training and care program to horse and rider. We compete on the smaller scale of things but we do it with big hearts.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
When I got the opportunity to work for Havens Schatt and Fred Commissaire at Milestone, that really brought my career to another level. I was able to work with some of the best of the best-horses and people. Havens is an incredible rider but an even better horsewoman. Fred is meticulous in the details and vigilant about preparing for success. Milestone horses perform at some of the top venues in the country and they are taken care of by top veterinarians and farriers. It was impossible to be a part of the team and not level up.

I was a manager and exercise rider. My main focus while working there was to stay on top of all medical and farrier records on all of the horses. I was able to work with a lot of horses- which gave me a lot of opportunity to learn. Just like people, horses all have variations in their confirmation and require different supportive care programs to help them reach their athletic potential. The team of farriers we had were amazing and taught me a lot about mechanics of the hoof. Whether it was a glue on, an equilibrium, heart bars or just plain steel- if your horse does not have happy feet you are not going to be able to get anything else done!

The lessons learned and experiences gained during my time at Milestone are an integral part in the way I conduct my business today.

Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
When I first got pregnant with my first son, I thought for sure I would be able to continue on just as I had been-like nothing would change. As a horse girlie I should have realized that was a bit naive- things always pivot.
Post partum hit me a bit hard, that early season of motherhood can be so challenging and I knew that I needed to shift my way of navigating my profession. In that time of transition I really missed who I used to be. Working with horse at a high level had always been my identity. Doing anything less than that felt like a failure, especially when you see social media updates on that lifestyle you used to live.
I have come to the clarity that it is ok to adjust your road map for the life you are living. You are evolving so those roads are going to change directions. I still think back on the memories of my old self and miss her, but I am thankful for her getting me to this fork in the road. In this new season of mommy business owner, I try to give myself some grace and remind myself that even though things are different, I am still enough.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I think that people today are so focused on getting to the end result as quickly as possible that they are loosing sight on the value of the process of getting there. The end result could be different things like earning a certain ribbon at a championship or moving up a level. In my opinion social media takes a large majority of the blame here- its so easy to see the perfect highlight reel, compare them to yourself and think wow that person is so perfect and they do not struggle at all. When in reality, we all struggle. Horses are hard, people are hard- but no one has gotten to the top and stayed at the top by cutting corners on their foundation.
Progress with horses is not linear. Anytime a rider tries something new with a horse, it is completely normal to take a step back until rider can communicate clear aids to the horse on how to approach the new skill. THIS IS NOT FAILURE, this is learning. Embrace the awkward, do not rush and always make sure to pat your horse- all of that will make you a better horseman.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Every day I say these affirmations with my boys-

You are loved
You are honest
You are kind

Its very important to me that they know that about themselves but hopefully other people feel that too.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wanderlustponyservices.com
• Instagram: @wanderlust_pony_services
• Facebook: Wanderlust Pony Services