“Horses wreck blankets.”

By Brandie Majeau
Melissa MacNeil moved to Thorhild County in 2010, bringing with her a unique
skill that she developed alongside her mother while living in British Columbia. This
exceptional skill emerged from a widespread problem known to all horse owners:
“Horses wreck blankets,” she joked. About 9 or 10 years ago, her sewing talents led her
to work part-time from her home, in a space not much larger than a cubicle, washing
and repairing horse blankets. As word spread that she could provide this service, her
business began to grow.
Balancing her current job and raising two children, MacNeil found herself at a
turning point this past year. It became increasingly difficult to manage both her
employment and the part-time business she had built. She started losing sewing clients
and had to turn people away as the workload increased. Ultimately, she decided to take
the plunge and fully dedicate herself to transforming her part-time business into a full-
time venture—and she hasn’t looked back since.
Once she committed to a full-time schedule, she not only continued her blanket
repair work but also had the opportunity to explore the creative side of her business.
She began making customized summer sheets, slinkies, tail bags, and hoods. This new
focus provided her with a refreshing break from the routine of washing and repairing
blankets. Soon, clients came to her with requests, asking, “Can you do this? Can you
make that?”
To accommodate her growing business, MacNeil moved her operation from the
small room in her home to an office in the barn and is now ready for any challenge that
comes her way. As orders and requests continue to come in, her cheerful and
approachable personality naturally attracts more clients who stop by to meet her and
discuss product options that are as unique and personal as the owners and horses they
are shopping for. Although she currently participates in several markets and tack shows,
her goal is to have a wider selection of products such as gear and booty bags available
at all times. MacNeil also ships within the United States and across Canada. She is
widely used by many riding clubs and is often asked to create specialized products for
prizes. MacNeil humbly acknowledged that she is very skilled at “locating and finding
basically anything in terms of hardware.”
Melissa MacNeil embodies a deep-seated passion for horses and the equestrian
lifestyle that surrounds her. As an active member of the Newbrook Range Riders, she
immerses herself in the community, contributing her skills and enthusiasm. In addition to
her involvement in riding, she offers specialized lessons in riding and barrel racing and
is dedicated to horse training, sharing her knowledge and expertise with others. “I like

helping people,” she says, displaying her commitment to both teaching and learning.
“And if I don’t know something, I’ll find out.” Melissa’s relentless drive encourages her to
continually evolve within her interests and the world around her.
Her skills don’t stop with horses; they have expanded into the realm of other
repairs and has worked on boat and snowmobile covers. With a can-do attitude, she
explains, “If I can get it in my machine…”
The gentle, melodic strains of country music drift through the air from an old radio
nestled in the corner of her sewing room. As Melissa MacNeil immerses herself in the
soothing harmonies and the rhythmic clatter of the sewing machine, she finds a sense
of tranquility. The walls around her are adorned with treasured photographs that capture
the essence of her family and snapshots of her personal milestones and achievements.
Each stitch she makes in the fabric is not just a creative project or repair; it is a tactile
connection to her unwavering passion for horses and her dedication to helping others, a
life woven with purpose.