Sweet and Successful: A Conversation with Harlow Bottarini of Harlow’s Heavenly Horse Treats
What started as homemade treats for one horse has grown into a small but expanding business within the local equestrian community. I was lucky enough to sit down with fellow rider and eighth grader Harlow Bottarini to talk about her eponymous brand, Harlow’s Heavenly Horse Treats. In just 5 years, Bottarini has turned her idea into a recognizable name, creating cookies that look good enough for humans but are made specifically for horses. Her designs—ranging from blue ribbons and saddles to avocados and even Barbie dresses—are as creative as they are popular, with her treats now available in California at Valencia Saddlery in Lakeview Terrace and at the Desert International Horse Park in Thermal.
Ames Chang: Harlow, thank you so much for speaking with me. My horses and I love your treats. They, of course, love the delicious taste, and I love the unique designs, especially the ice cream cone and pizza cookies. How did Harlow’s Heavenly Horse Treats begin?
Harlow Bottarini: It started as a second-grade project. My teacher asked us to create a business idea, and since I love horses, I decided to make horse treats instead of regular baked goods. I began with seasonal collections—Christmas and Halloween—and over time, it grew into a real business with more designs and ideas.
AC: What was the first treat you designed?
HB: The ice cream cone, though it was much smaller at the time. We even packaged it differently. At first, we didn’t use the small boxes; we packaged the treats in little baskets with shavings lining the bottom.
AC: As your business has grown, how do customers typically find you—through word of mouth, social media, or do you do specific advertising?
HB: A mix of social media and retail. We post on Instagram and take custom orders through DMs. Our treats are also sold at Valencia Saddlery and in Thermal, where they tend to sell out quickly.
AC: Did your original recipe work right away, or did you have to refine it?
HB: It worked pretty well at first, but we removed ingredients like sugar and flaxseed to make the treats healthier for the horses. Now, they’re mostly whole grain with just a little sugar in the frosting.
AC: Now that your cookies have been out in the world for about 5 years, which one is your bestseller, and which one is your personal favorite?
HB: The ice cream cones are definitely the bestseller. My personal favorite is the pizza; it looks so realistic, and the horses love it.
AC: You also offer custom designs. How much do customer requests influence new ideas?
HB: A lot. For birthdays, people often send photos of their horses, and we recreate them on cookies. We’re always open to creative ideas from customers.
AC: You’re balancing school, riding, performing arts, and a business. How do you manage it all?
HB: It’s busy, but I stay organized and make use of any free time. I also have a lot of support from my family and trainers. I genuinely enjoy everything I do, so it never feels boring.
“For the business, I’d love to open a physical store. For riding, I want to continue competing at higher levels, hopefully in the 3’6” Junior Hunters, and ride in college. Long term, I’d also love to perform on Broadway.”
AC: You’re also an accomplished rider, including a Desert Circuit Champion title in the Children’s Hunters and a $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby win. How did you get into riding?
HB: My mom has ridden her whole life, so when I was young, she put me on a horse. I started riding seriously at 5, showing a pony named Peter Pan, and from there I just kept progressing and fell in love with the sport.
AC: What’s your current mount like?
HB: My horse is Charlotte, show name The Duchess. She’s a 6-year-old warmblood mare, and she’s been incredible to compete with and develop.
AC: You’ve competed across the country. What stands out as your favorite show?
HB: Pony Finals in Kentucky. It’s such a special environment—the setting, the competition, and riding on grass with friends. It’s one of my favorite experiences every year.
AC: Looking ahead, what are your goals for both riding and for your business?
HB: For the business, I’d love to open a physical store. For riding, I want to continue competing at higher levels, hopefully in the 3’6” Junior Hunters, and ride in college. Long term, I’d also love to perform on Broadway.
AC: Broadway! That’s awesome. Tell me more about that.
HB: I’ve always loved performing, especially musical theater. Right now, I’m playing the Witch in Into the Woods, which has been so much fun. I get to experiment with a different voice and really dive into the songs. Broadway has always been a big passion of mine, and I hope to keep pursuing that alongside everything else I do.
AC: You have so many talents and interests. I can’t wait to see where they take you! To wrap up, how about a quick round of rapid-fire questions?
HB: Yeah, of course!
AC: Okay. Here goes: bays or greys?
HB: Greys.
AC: Summer or winter?
HB: Winter.
AC: Instagram or TikTok?
HB: Instagram.
AC: The Summer I Turned Pretty or Stranger Things?
HB: The Summer I Turned Pretty.
AC: Brandy Melville or Edikted?
HB: Brandy Melville.
AC: Olivia Rodrigo or Sabrina Carpenter?
HB: Sabrina Carpenter.
AC: Hunters, jumpers, or equitation?
HB: Hunters.
AC: Finally, which do you enjoy more: baking for horses or for humans?
HB: Definitely horses—they’re always happy with what you make.
AC: Thank you so much for your time, Harlow.
HB: Thank you, Ames. I had so much fun.
Buy Harlow’s Heavenly Horse Treats: Link
Follow Harlow on Instagram: @harlows.heavenly.horse.treatss
