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written By Megin Potter  |  Photos by Super Source Media Studios

[From the 2026 Spring Magazine]

The Woman Taking the Reins
at Impressions of Saratoga

Twenty years ago,

Maddy Zanetti began working weekends and summers at Impressions of Saratoga, the Everything Saratoga Store where, even as a high school student, she loved to shop.

Maddy jumped right into the job, bringing her own special blend of passion and excellence to her work, and it quickly became a running joke among the Impressions’ team that she would be running the business someday.

Today is that day.

Now, after two decades of striding over every hurdle, Maddy is now the owner of both Impressions of Saratoga and their sister store, The Dark Horse Mercantile.

It’s an exciting milestone on a journey that’s taken her through the paces.

"Saratoga is my home and I can't imagine being anywhere else," said Maddy.  "I have now been at Impressions for over 20 years, and few people can say they have worked the same job since they were a kid. It is a part of me, and I have grown up with it. I'm very fortunate to have had Mare and Dave to show me the ropes and we have had a lot of fun over the years. Many people go to work because they have to, but I enjoy what I do and I love being here!"

Saddling Up

Dave and Marianne “Mare” Barker established Impressions of Saratoga with a $2,000 loan, lots of faith, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit. The shop, now at the corner of Broadway and Phila Street, has remained the cornerstone of their business ventures ever since.

“We are very proud of what we’ve built and the friendships it has allowed us over these 48 years,” said Mare. “Mostly, we are proud of Maddy for helping us maintain and grow for almost half of those years - and stepping into the lead role. She is the best person to take the reins! She has the skill, ambition, love for this wonderful community, and the drive to take it into the future.”

“We consider ourselves lucky to have someone as invested in this wonderful business as we have been. We are looking forward to watching her grow - and for us to step back taking more time to smell the proverbial roses all around Saratoga and beyond!”

Chomping at the Bit

While Marianne travelled the country to find the special selection of new and unique equine art, jewelry, gifts, and clothing stocked on Impressions’ shelves, Maddy excelled at college and graduated (in just three years!) with a BA in Business Administration in 2011.

After returning to Saratoga, Maddy worked closely with the Barkers to grow Impressions by embracing new trends, events, and all sorts of changes – both big and small - along the way.

In 2014, Impressions launched The Dark Horse, a brand that celebrates a long history of Thoroughbreds beating the odds in the race to become champions. The product launch introduced brand ambassador, Maddy’s horse Upset, the Miniature Dark Horse.

Two years later, Maddy became co-owner of Impressions after purchasing Dave’s shares. In 2018, Maddy and Mare opened The Dark Horse Mercantile on Broadway, Upset became the subject of Maddy’s first children’s book by the same name, and he happily started making appearances across the street from Impressions in a store dedicated to him!

Through the years, Impressions has partnered with, participating in, and contributing to, many local organizations and events. They’ve hurdled the challenges and are looking forward to a bright future. 

Despite the change in ownership, Mare will still be in the store, providing friendly customer service and consulting for a few more years, as everyone excitedly awaits the 50th anniversary celebration of Impressions of Saratoga in 2028.