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SIDELINESMAGAZINE | May 2026
orses have always been a part of
Whitney Persek’s life, but she never
would have anticipated that her
first Appaloosa pony, Blue Cheese, would
be her introduction to a lifelong career in the
equestrian industry. Whitney grew up riding and
competing horses, but after having children, she
took a step back from riding. Three years ago,
however, she and her family moved to a horse
farm, fulfilling her childhood dream of having
horses on her property. “There is something
incredibly grounding and full-circle about that,”
Whitney said. “That lived experience is the
foundation of Dapper Darling.”
Whitney Persek founded Dapper Darling, an
equestrian brand that specializes in wholesome,
USEF-approved ingredient horse treats,
riding apparel and lifestyle pieces. She has used
her passion to carve out a name for herself in
equestrian business and is now inspiring other
women entrepreneurs to do the same.
DEVELOPING THE BRAND
Dapper Darling began as a grassroots
operation. Whitney has always been passionate
about baking and trying new recipes, so it
was only a matter of time before she began
combining her love of horses with her knack for
creativity in the kitchen. The journey started
at home, with two experimental treats, and
Whitney’s horses as the first taste-testers.
“What surprised me was how quickly that
creative outlet turned into something bigger. As
I spoke with other riders, one need kept coming
up: truly gluten-free options. So many equestrians
live with celiac disease, and they wanted treats
they could handle safely without giving up quality
or ingredients. That stuck with me. I set out to
create a gluten-free treat that I would be proud to
feed my own horses, and that’s when the hobby
became a business,” Whitney said. “I’m picky
about what my horses eat, and I’m even pickier
about what I’d sell to someone else. If it isn’t
something I’d confidently give to my own horses,
it doesn’t belong in the brand. That standard
shapes everything we make.
“Our treats are a labor of love,” Whitney
continued. “Every recipe is developed carefully,
and every batch is made with time and attention.
I use a specific drying process so the treats are
long-lasting and shelf-stable without needing
preservatives. Keeping them natural and
wholesome is non-negotiable for me. Everything
is made to order, which means customers receive
the freshest treats possible.”
WHITNEY
PERSEK
Baking and Breaking Barriers
By Annelise Klepper • Portraits by Dustin Persek
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Whitney Persek is the founder of
Dapper Darling horse treats and
equestrian lifestyle boutique.