Our Story

Third Horse Coffee grew out of our family’s adoption journey, God’s faithful leading, and the questions we began asking as our son Josiah approached adulthood: Where would he find purposeful work, genuine relationships, and a place where his gifts were recognized?

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The Story Behind the Name

Third Horse Coffee's name is rooted in our family's adoption journey and the inspiration behind our mission. After raising our three children, we adopted our first child from China in 2009. Soon afterward, we began praying about whether God was calling us to adopt again. During a camping trip to Assateague Island in Maryland—a place known for its wild horses—we spent time praying and seeking His guidance about that decision.

Third Horse Coffee co-founder wearing a “Brewing Community One Cup at a Time” shirt on the beach

A Prayer at Assateague Island

One night, Mark was walking alone near the beach and called a friend to talk through our prayers about whether we were being led to adopt one or two more children. His friend suggested asking God for a sign. After thinking about it, Mark prayed specifically to see either a shooting star or horses on the beach.

Three Horses

As the night went on, clouds completely filled the sky, making a shooting star impossible to see. At 1:00 AM, assuming no sign would come, Mark headed back toward his tent. Along the path, three wild horses unexpectedly emerged from the darkness and slowly walked past him one after another.

We wondered whether the three horses were confirming what had already been growing in our hearts — that we were being led to adopt two more children, bringing our total to three adopted children.

Josiah on the Great Wall of China during his adoption trip

Inspired by Josiah

In 2012, we adopted two more children from China. Our youngest son, Josiah, was later diagnosed with an intellectual disability.

Years later, as Josiah approached adulthood, we began thinking deeply about what meaningful employment might look like for him. That personal concern opened our eyes to the broader need for employment opportunities and a welcoming community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. From that need, the vision for Third Horse Coffee began to take shape.

Chinese year-of-the-horse name stamp made for Josiah during his adoption trip

From Three Horses to Third Horse Coffee

While brainstorming names for the coffee company, our daughter reminded us of the story of the three horses. The third horse represented Josiah.

When we shared the name and the story with Josiah, his face lit up. "I'm a horse, I'm a horse!" he exclaimed as he ran upstairs and returned with a horse stamper we had bought him in China. In that moment, Josiah told us that he was born in the Chinese Year of the Horse. It became one more reminder that God had been writing our family's story all along, weaving together details we could never have planned ourselves.

Josiah holding a bag of Third Horse Coffee at a community event

The Story Continues

Today, Third Horse Coffee is growing through every order packed, every delivery made, every event attended, and every relationship formed with customers and community partners.

What began as our family's adoption journey has grown into a mission to help many others discover belonging, meaningful work, and the opportunity to use the gifts God has given them.

The Heart Behind Third Horse Coffee

Third Horse Coffee exists because of Josiah and others like him — adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who deserve meaningful opportunities, authentic relationships, and a place to belong.

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