I’ve spent most of my life surrounded by bronze, clay, and horses. My days in the studio are filled with the rhythm of sculpting — shaping muscle, movement, and spirit into form. Every piece starts as clay, dark and rich, soft enough to carry expression but strong enough to hold its story.
And every so often, someone visiting my studio would pause mid-step, tilt their head, and ask the same question:
“Is that chocolate?”
At first, I laughed. To me, the material was unmistakably clay — earthy and alive, not sweet and edible. But the question kept coming. “Is that chocolate?” Over time, it began to stick with me. Maybe because there was something deliciously curious about the idea that art could look good enough to eat.
It turns out, someone else thought so too.
That “someone” was my daughter, Taylor.
Growing up, Taylor was always surrounded by art, horses, and the steady hum of creative chaos. But she never felt the need to follow directly in my footsteps — and I never wanted her to. My hope was simply that she’d learn the skills, confidence, and curiosity that art had given me.
What I didn’t realize was how she’d carry that forward — and transform it completely.
One day, after hearing yet another “Is that chocolate?” moment, Taylor asked me, “Mom, what if it was?”
That question opened a door neither of us saw coming.
Taylor didn’t want to sculpt in bronze — she wanted to sculpt in chocolate. And not just any chocolate. She envisioned something beautiful, intentional, and crafted with the same care and quality I pour into my art. She began experimenting with molds made directly from some of my favorite pieces — The Slide, The Seahorse, Piaffe, Heels Down, and Two Hearts — turning them into intricate chocolate bars.
The first time I saw her process, I realized she wasn’t just making candy; she was creating a new way to experience art. My sculptures are meant to be seen and felt — hers are meant to be shared, broken apart, and savored.
And just like that, Equestrian Chocolate Co. was born.
Watching Taylor build her business has been one of the greatest joys of my life. She approaches chocolate the way I approach sculpture — with precision, respect for materials, and a touch of wonder. Every bar she makes comes from the top 10% of cacao beans in the world, roasted and refined by hand, with an attention to detail that reminds me of long nights in my studio perfecting a bronze.
The connection between our work runs deeper than the molds. It’s about craftsmanship, patience, and love — for horses, for creativity, for the process itself.
What I’ve learned through Taylor is that the legacy we pass to our children isn’t a business or a profession. It’s a mindset. It’s giving them the tools to build something of their own — even if it looks completely different from what we imagined.
This Thanksgiving, I’m especially grateful for that lesson.
Grateful for the messy studio that sparked a funny question.
Grateful for a daughter who turned that question into something beautiful.
And grateful that art — in all its forms — continues to connect us, whether it’s cast in bronze or molded in chocolate.
So, as we head into the holidays, I invite you to taste a little piece of our shared story. Taylor and I are saying thank you with 25% off all Equestrian Chocolate Co. bars this weekend — our small way of sharing gratitude for the support, encouragement, and community that make it all possible.
Because art, like chocolate, is best when it’s shared. 🍫
Visit Equestrian Chocolate Co. and use coupon code BLKFRIDAY25
Tammy Tappan, Founder Equine Instincts
For life-long equestrian Susan McClafferty, photographing horses isn’t just a job. It’s the intersection of everything she loves and is most passionate about. During the week, Susan works as a consultant, bringing innovation, problem-solving, and technical expertise to a large healthcare system.
For life-long equestrian Susan McClafferty, photographing horses isn’t just a job. It’s the intersection of everything she loves and is most passionate about. During the week, Susan works as a consultant, bringing innovation, problem-solving, and technical expertise to a large healthcare system.
2026 is off to a full gallop at Equine Instincts. January has been an exciting and incredibly busy start to the Florida season.
