Forever Photo Company Launches GumBits Partnership
Venice, FL (February 7, 2025) - Known for capturing the beauty and spirit of horses through her lens, Michelle Allen is now expanding her impact in the equine community by offering a trusted product that supports horse health and performance! With her passion for natural products, GumBits is a natural fit for Allen and her Forever Photo Company, which covers equestrian events across the west coast of Florida and Georgia. The tension reducing, focus enhancing properties of GumBits have made them a popular choice for riders in various disciplines. Changes in environment, travel, and even showing by itself can be stressful; but having and promoting a product that helps horses relax and take their minds away from the stressors of showing was an easy decision for her.
“As someone who has spent years around horses, I believe in products that are not only effective but also safe and natural,” says Allen. “GumBits stands out because they don’t contain unnecessary additives, and they provide a simple, stress-free way to help horses stay relaxed and engaged. Whether it’s pre-show jitters or travel stress, this is an easy, effective solution for riders and their equine partners.”
Allen's deep connection to the equestrian world, combined with her years of experience photographing horses, gives her a unique perspective on their well-being. By bringing GumBits to her network, she continues her mission of celebrating and supporting the equine community in meaningful ways.
GumBits' owner, Shereen Fuqua, says, ”I have known Michelle since 2017 from the hunter shows, when she photographed my then ten-year-old daughter Kat. I loved her work so much, that I had her come to my Collecting Gaits Farm for more private shoots. Kat just started riding the Junior Hunters 3’6” and was awarded 2017 USEF Leading Owner Pony Hunter and 2017 USHJA Leading Pony Derby Rider, among other major awards. I am happy that Michelle takes the initiative to offer her customers GumBits, seeing the need for relaxation….and don’t forget, if you shake the bottles the ponies/horses perk up their ears!”
About Michelle Allen & Forever Photo Company
Michelle Allen is the creative force behind Forever Photo Company. She has spent the last decade capturing the spirit of the equestrian sport with her lens. Based in Florida, Michelle’s journey into photography was anything but conventional. Originally pursuing a career in nursing, she soon realized that her heart belonged to the arts, leading her to pivot toward a path that blended her storytelling and journalism.
Her passion for photography began in high school, where she discovered the power of visual storytelling. The love for capturing meaningful moments led her to establish Forever Photo Company in 2012. Allowing her to combine her artistic eye with the appreciation for capturing the beauty that surrounds us. Michelle is more than just a photographer, she is an artist that captures and celebrates people and their achievements both on and off the horse. She finds joy in highlighting their unique journeys and milestones through her work.
As a dedicated wife of a veteran and a mother of three, Michelle understands the importance of preserving those cherished memories, unique journeys and milestones. Her ability to connect with both people and their animals ensures that every photograph tells a heartfelt story. Whether she is behind the lens at a horse show, capturing a child’s special moment or documenting the bond between horse and rider, Michelle’s work is a testament to her passion and dedication to art.
About GumBits: Chewy Sugar
Dubbed “chewing gum for horses," GumBits are currently used by a selection of the world’s top Olympic & International Equestrian Competitors. Bite sized pieces of chewy sugar are the perfect blend of treat and training tool for use with or without a bridle. The taste and texture encourage soft chewing and salivation, giving a better connection with the bit. Tense, grinding, or dry mouthed horses in particular benefit from their use.
▪FEI Legal Ingredients, all natural 89% sugar, 10% beeswax, 1% gum arabic & flour▪Promote chewing activity increasing salivation▪Encourage relaxation & stops teeth grinding
All disciplines benefit from a softer, more focused horse, from high performance Dressage, Jumpers, and Eventing to Driving, Vaulting, Arabian sport horses, Barrel Racing, and more.
Shereen Fuqua of Collecting Gaits Farm, former title sponsor of the USEF National Dressage Championships & Olympic Trials and presenting sponsor of USEF Pony Finals from 2003-2020, founded GumBits in 2005, and expanded internationally since 2012 into many countries in Europe and throughout Australia and New Zealand. In 2024, Fuqua partnered with PSI Events, company led by Germans Kasselman & Schockmohle, in addition to Peelbergen Equestrian Centre of The Netherlands in 2025 for FEI CSI & CDI Show Jumping & International Dressage Competitions. GumBits is the US Equestrian Official Training Treat & Supplier of the US Teams.
To learn more, and to find a retailer, visit www.GumBits.internationalor follow them on Instagram (@gumbits_horse_chewing_gum)
Media Contact:
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
www.Equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
+1 954 205 7992
