About Miss Rio
Heritage Inspired
Every Miss Rio candle is inspired by the windswept moors of Dartmoor, drawing from the rugged beauty of the British landscape and a deep connection to equestrian .
The Horse Who Gave Everything
Rio wasn't just a horse, he was a champion, a protector, and a hero. Born as The Smull — named after the legendary Irish jockey Pat Smullen — Rio carried a legacy of greatness from the very beginning. Before he became our beloved family horse, he had a racing heritage that connected him to Ireland's most celebrated horsemen.
But Rio's greatest race wasn't on a track. It was the day he gave his life trying to save Courtney.
15th August 2025: The Day Everything Changed
Courtney was just 14 years old when the accident happened. A 5mm skull fracture — the kind of injury that changes everything in an instant. Rio gave his life that day trying to protect her.
In the months that followed, as Courtney recovered, we knew we needed to honour Rio's memory in a way that would keep his spirit alive. That's how Miss Rio was born — a brand inspired by his courage, his legacy, and the windswept moors of Dartmoor that he loved.
Honouring Rio's Memory
Miss Rio was born from love, loss, and the healing power of Dartmoor. Rio was a beloved horse, and after the tragic accident that left Courtney with a serious brain injury, our lives changed forever. In the midst of heartbreak and recovery, we found solace in the wild beauty of Dartmoor - our home and our healing place.
More Than Just a Candle
When you light a Miss Rio candle, you're not just lighting a candle - you're keeping a memory alive. You're honouring the bond between horse and human, a connection that transcends words. Every candle we create carries Rio's spirit and the strength of Courtney's journey.
Dartmoor: Our Healing Place
From Dartmoor's moorland to your home, each hand-poured candle reflects heritage, refinement, and the strength to overcome. Dartmoor's rugged landscapes, its ancient tors and open moorland, inspire every scent we create. This wild, beautiful place has been our refuge, and we hope to share a little of its healing power with you.
Building Courtney's Future
Miss Rio isn't just a tribute to Rio - it's Courtney's legacy business. She works alongside us, learning, creating, and building something that will one day be hers.
Every candle we pour together is a step toward her independence and her future - proof that even after tragedy, there is hope, purpose, and possibility.
When you support Miss Rio, you're not just buying a candle - you're helping Courtney build her future.
Through Courtney's Lens
In her recovery, Courtney discovered a new way to see the world - through a camera lens. At 14, she's now our photographer, capturing every moment, every horse, every story on our Dartmoor farm. The photos you see throughout Miss Rio? They're all Courtney's. From Lucky Penny's arrival from Ireland to each new horse who joins our herd, Courtney tells their stories the way Rio would have wanted - with love, with purpose, with hope. Every image is proof that Rio's legacy lives on. 📸💚
Thank you for being part of our journey and for helping us keep Rio's memory alive.
