Equine Entrepreneurs: Juliette Douros Hawk of EQ PRO

My passion for horseback riding started when I was 10 years old. I started at a summer camp in Bonita Springs, Fla. I was able to ride different horses and ponies, learning something new from each experience. 

After camp was over, I asked my parents to allow me to take weekly lessons. I was so lucky that they said yes! Eventually, I started riding three days a week. I would research famous riders and learn all about the different disciplines of riding and breeds of horses. 

In my research, I came across the most amazing facility located here in Naples, Fla. It was everything I had hoped for in a riding facility. I started by riding and then leasing an awesome horse at Shore Acre Farms named Alaska. From there, we eventually took a trip to Ocala, Fla., and purchased my very own horse, Abbey Road. Abbey is a Canadian Warmblood mare, and I fell in love with her at first sight.

Designing Products

I dedicated a lot of time after school and on the weekends to taking lessons and fulfilling my passion to compete in the hunter and equitation divisions. While riding and competing, I identified key areas where equestrian accessories fell short. 

I started to design items that were highly functional and comfortable. I started with hairnets. I would struggle to get my long, thick hair under the helmet, and I would watch many other riders having the same issue. I knew there had to be a better material that would secure the hair and make it more comfortable to wear the helmet. 

In the hunter division, it’s a requirement to have all your hair secured under your helmet. With the help of my family, I started to craft nylon hairnets at age 13. These hairnets are now selling in retail stores in Wellington and Ocala, and on Amazon. 

I didn’t stop there! Constantly battling blisters and sore feet from practicing and riding, I designed a much more comfortable riding sock that has stretchable nylon at the top and a soft cotton-blended foot. These are my most comfortable socks and a barn favorite among the other riders. 

I’m now 16 and working on many more products that will be launching soon. I really enjoy thinking of new products that make this sport more comfortable and fun.

Gaining Support

I’ve been able to leverage my social media platforms to share my journey and create a personal connection with other riders all over the world. The support from the equestrian community has been amazing. 

Not only have fellow young riders adopted EQ PRO, but seasoned professionals have also reached out to me, praising our products, and have endorsed our brand internationally. 

Giving Back

I wanted to use this opportunity to give back to other riders and inspire change. This sport is expensive and it’s not easy. I partnered with the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) because I believe in their mission, and I wanted to be a part of it. My company, EQ PRO, has donated our products for shows, and we now have our very own EQ PRO Scholarship Fund, which supports other riders with financial aid and mentorship opportunities. 

I feel very fortunate to be a part of the equestrian community. I spend most of my days committed to schoolwork and riding. I love being at the barn, riding horses, and coming up with new ideas for my company. I aspire to become a top professional rider and grow EQ PRO to be a highly respectable and recognized name in the industry. If you see me riding, you see me happy! 

You can visit Juliette’s EQ PRO website at eqpro.shop.

This article about Juliette Douros Hawk’s EQ PRO appeared in the May/June 2025 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!