I am a lover of subscription boxes. I can’t afford to get lots but I have shopped around in the past for my favorites. There’s something about getting a mystery but also getting value.
Years ago I found Carly. At the time she was the owner and curator of Cavali Club. As a loyal fan I followed her after she sold the business and began Marengo. I even got a chance to contribute to the first Marengo box through Wahbee’s Woodworking.
Recently Carly changed the format of Marengo. The box is no longer a “subscription” style. Instead, Carly has made Marengo a seasonal curation that you purchase one time.
Before you were able to select some of the items for your box. Now, you are allowed to choose “more items for horse”, “more items for rider”, “mix of both.” You don’t actually get to select any one item anymore and there’s no sneak preview.
I really liked the old format because I know I could look forward to particular items that would make the box worth it but I trust Carly and her tastes so I signed up for a mix of both.
There was a delay in one of the products but Carly sent the box first. Within 2 weeks I received the other product in the mail.
Opening my Marengo box is a little like Christmas each season. I am so excited and I know I won’t be disappointed. So let’s take a look shall we?
The first item to come out of the Marengo Summer 2024 box was a small dense box labelled Vagabond House. Inside it was a beautiful ceramic dish with a snaffle bit on the front. Their site lists this little dish as a sugar packet holder but it’s really useful for just about anything. It’s so cute.
Next out of the box was a small 2oz tin of Leather Salve by Otter Wax. This blend of shea butter and carnauba wax is designed to keep leather soft and supple.
I also found a little roll-on fragrance called The Equestrian by Cater + Jane. Inside this 5ml roller bottle is a delicate scent that’s mild and pleasant. The scents are made in the USA with essential oils and organic grapeseed oil.
From the website the aroma is:
Top notes: Cassie + Jasmine (green floral + honey)
Middle notes: Hay + Nagarmotha + Cedarwood (hay + leather)
Base notes: Vanilla + Oakmoss + Ambrette (vanilla + musk)
Also inside the box was a pair of socks from Equisute Elements of Style. These Sadie Socks come in seven designs, I received “Night Rider.” It is “one size fits most.” Because of my giant calves I admit I’m inclined to give these as a gift. I don’t typically have much luck with ordinary socks, but they look comfy if this is your thing.
Finally, the last item inside my box was a sunshirt from Kastel Denmark. I received the navy raglan design. I LOVE IT!
I ordered up in size and it was loose and comfortable. I debuted it while I was at Millbrook Horse Trials.
A few weeks after I received the Marengo box I got my last item in the mail. Inside was a ballcap designed by Equipad Equestrian based in Australia. On the cap it says “hiding my helmet hair.”
Final Word:
I am always astonished by how Carly manages to squeeze so much value into the Marengo Boxes.
- Vagabond House Sugar Packer Holder: $24
- Otter Wax Leather Salve: $10
- Carter+Jane Equestrian Roll On Aroma: $29
- Equisite Boot Socks: $14
- Kastel Denmark Sunshirt: $92
- Equipad Ball Cap: $36
- Total Value: $205
Not only do we get so much value but we get high quality items. These are not corporate conglomerates. Carly hand picks small businesses to feature in each and every curation. This helps us discover new favorite brands and connect with people like ourselves.
Marengo is magical.
As with every other box Carly has curated I am not disappointed.
I DO wish the format was the same as it was. I miss choosing my items and I miss the subscription. I don’t like the uncertainty of choosing between “more horse” and “more rider” because my choice would change if I knew what the offering meant. But as long as Carly is curating and new curations are available each season I won’t fuss too much.
The format was changed because they were left with too many overstock items, which also is not good for business (though I did love half off items when they became available). I really can’t blame Marengo for switching and would much rather see it stick around longer.
Overall, I still highly recommend Marengo. The curation is not currently available so you will want to sign up for the newsletter and updates so you can stay informed when fall comes out. Until then you can peruse the website and purchase items selected by Carly to feature on her site. She’s found businesses run for equestrians by equestrians. It’s a great selection of goods!
The Green Horseman 
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