Wilmington, Ohio – This week’s Wilmington Sunday Spotlight shines on Samantha Wertz of Zionsville, Indiana. Riding out of Rinehart Farm, the junior rider has worked her way up the ranks in the jumper ring with her mount, Dario S. We caught up with Sam after her fourth place finish in the $10,000 Futures Prix to learn more about her riding journey, Dario S and her goals for the future.
WEC: How did you get started riding?
When I turned seven, a barn across the street opened and I started taking lessons there. They ended up having too many horses for the amount of stalls they had. My parents both grew up on farms with animals, so we have a barn with ten stalls on our property, so they gave me free lessons and we boarded some of the horses at our house. I got to have horses in the backyard and I have just loved it ever since.
I have ridden with Richard [Rinehart] now for two years. His barn is just seven minutes from my house which is super convenient. I had some friends at the barn like Luke, Lizzie, Graham and Ashley. I grew up riding with all of them so I wanted to join the crew!
WEC: Tell us about your horse, Dario S.
Dario is only seven. He is a Hanoverian and I have been riding him for a little less than a year. He is so awesome. He has some quirks but he jumps so well and I just love him. He is the sweetest in the barn. My first show with him was here at WEC! I started him in the 1.10m and I didn’t have much experience at that height. I had been stuck in the 1.0m for a while and he helped grow my confidence at that bigger height.
We did our first official 1.20m in September and ended up champion. I have been dabbling in that and last week, Richard moved us up to the Futures Prix! He had one time fault last week and was double clear and fourth this week, so that was awesome. I was so excited to be in the top four with all of my friends. We started jumping the small stuff together and now all just jumped the futures together, so it was really special.
WEC: How do you juggle school and riding?
I ride every day. Sometimes I take one day off, but I actually get out of school a period early for sports. We have a study hall last period and I am able to go to the barn and ride, and still have time for my homework and everything after.
WEC: What are your plans after high school?
I have applied to a lot of colleges and I will hopefully do the IHSA. I would love to be on a team. I want to ride when I’m older, so my plan is to get a degree in Health Sciences and become a Physician’s Assistant to be able to continue riding!
WEC: Tell us about your experience at WEC – Wilmington.
We love it here. It is so convenient and we bring our camper so we can stay right on-site. I have been riding here my whole showing career, basically since 2018. It is such a great facility and has everything you could need. The people here are great and it feels like home. It is so fun to show with all of my friends my age. We al cheer each other on and walk the courses together. It makes showing so fun.
WEC: Tell us about your riding goals.
My goal was to do a Futures Prix before I graduated and we have achieved it a little earlier than expected! I would love to win one and be consistent with Dario. Maybe one day, I will jump a grand prix!
Thank you, Sam, for taking the time to speak with us! We wish you continued good luck in and out of the show ring!
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Results can be found at horseshowing.com.
All horse show images are provided by Winslow Photography and can be purchased onsite at WEC – Wilmington or online through their website.