Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Letts.
Hi Stephanie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Copper Creek Stables was born out of my lifelong love for horses and passion for competition, fueled by a deep desire to create something of my own within the sport I’ve dedicated my life to. My journey wasn’t traditional. I started as a working student and groom, doing every job in the barn to learn the industry inside and out. Over the years, I traveled across the U.S., gaining hands-on experience in horse care, barn management, and riding, while developing the work ethic and business mindset I’d need to one day create something of my own.
After spending so much time on the road, I realized just how important my roots were. Returning to Tampa—the city where I grew up and the community I love—felt like coming full circle. It was more than a personal decision; it was a commitment to building something meaningful in a place that mattered to me. I wanted to bring something special back home: a high-quality, professional, and values-driven equestrian business that reflected everything I had learned.
Starting Copper Creek Stables was a leap of faith, but also a strategic and deeply personal move. Every part of this farm reflects my core values: quality, professionalism, and attention to detail. To me, success isn’t about prestige or privilege—it’s about doing things the right way, staying true to your vision, and never losing sight of why you started. Copper Creek Stables is more than a business; it’s a dream realized through perseverance, passion, and a whole lot of hard work.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey of building Copper Creek Stables has been anything but easy—and I’ve learned that when you start a business from the ground up, you wear far more hats than you ever anticipated. While my passion has always been working with horses and competing, the reality of running a business means I’ve also had to take on roles I never aimed for—finance, HR, operations, marketing—you name it. I didn’t set out to manage every aspect of a business, but in the early stages, especially without outside investors or a built-in support system, it all falls on your shoulders.
From the beginning, I’ve focused on growing Copper Creek Stables organically and intentionally. We’ve prioritized quality over quantity, building strong relationships with clients, and taking careful, deliberate steps forward. That kind of growth doesn’t happen overnight—but it’s real, sustainable, and aligned with the values I care about most: professionalism, care, and excellence.
I’ve been fortunate to have the close support of both my parents, Stacey & Scott Letts, throughout this journey. From planning and decision-making, to building the infrastructure that supports the farm today, they’ve been by my side helping turn this vision into a reality. Their insight, experience, and unwavering belief in what I’m building have made an enormous difference.
Equally important has been the support of my boyfriend, Ben Vespi, who—being a professional athlete himself—deeply understands the mental pressure, discipline, and emotional investment that comes with performing at a high level on the athlete side of all of this. Having someone who not only listens but truly gets the mindset of a competitor has been essential. From bouncing around ideas to staying grounded through stressful moments, his perspective has helped me stay focused and resilient.
Looking back, it’s incredible to see how far Copper Creek Stables has come from a vision to a thriving reality. Every step of the journey—every challenge, long day, and hard-earned win—has been worth it. What began as a passion has grown into something with real purpose: a place where horses and people are cared for with intention, professionalism, and heart. Building Copper Creek has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I’m more inspired than ever to keep growing, keep improving, and continue creating something truly special. This is just the beginning.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Copper Creek Stables ?
Copper Creek Stables is a show jumping, training, sales, and competition stable located in Northwest Tampa. We are the first luxury boutique equestrian facility in the area, meaning we work with a small, dedicated group of clients and tailor our program to fit their goals. By crafting a tailored intimate atmosphere for both horses and clients we cultivate a space that encourages success, safety, and enjoyment for all.
Our state-of-the-art facility features 12×12 European-style stalls by American Stalls, expansive paddocks, riding arena, and a modern rider’s lounge and tack room, offering a comfortable and inviting space for clients and families to relax and connect. Whether training, competing, or enjoying time at the barn, Copper Creek provides the perfect blend of luxury, convenience, and a commitment to excellence—right here in Tampa.
At Copper Creek Stables, we are committed to creating a personalized and elevated experience for both horse and rider. Our dedication to excellence, combined with our intimate and supportive environment, allows our clients to thrive and achieve their equestrian goals. Whether you’re training for a competition or simply enjoying the equestrian lifestyle, we are here to provide the highest level of care and attention every step of the way. Join us at Copper Creek, where passion for horses and a commitment to quality come together in the heart of Tampa.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I believe the equestrian industry is going to continue shifting toward a more modern, inclusive, and professional model—one that places a greater emphasis on individualized programs, athlete well-being, and sustainable, long-term development. You can already sense a cultural shift happening. There’s an exciting wave of young talent, and they’re showing up with confidence, clarity, and a strong sense of identity. That mindset is reshaping what professionalism looks like in our sport—and it’s something I deeply relate to.
At Copper Creek, that same energy is at the core of how I run my business. I believe in leading with confidence, clarity, and a vision—not just for where we’re going competitively, but for the kind of culture we’re building around the sport. Riders and clients today are looking for more than just training—they’re looking for mentorship, community, and programs that reflect modern values: professionalism, wellness, and purpose-driven progress.
I think we’ll see more operations that emphasize quality over quantity, and more professionals stepping into leadership roles with a business-first mindset while still honoring the tradition and heart of the sport. It’s an exciting time, and I’m proud to be part of the generation helping to shape where we go next.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coppercreekstablesfl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CopperCreekStables/
Image Credits
samantha schwebke, craig rhodes
