Wilmington, Ohio – This week’s Wilmington Sunday Spotlight shines on Catherine Eberly. The junior of Dayton, Ohio, has spent her entire riding career at Belleame Farm under the guidance of Jennifer Edwards. Catherine is a frequent competitor at WEC – Wilmington with her hunters, Quinziano and Highgate. We caught up with Catherine in between rounds to learn more about her journey!
WEC: How did you get started riding?
I am 16 and I started riding when I was 10. I first started going to a horse camp, and it was with Jen [Edwards] at the old facility, that’s how I got into it. I did that for a couple years but I was small as a kid and I wasn’t able to do a lot initially, so we decided that for my 10th birthday I could start doing lessons because I was more effective. I have been riding seriously for around six years now and showing for four.
WEC: How do you juggle school and riding?
I go to public school. I live about 30 minutes away from WEC, so I can easily drive myself down here after school. It’s very convenient to come here. I just try and get as much work done during the day as I can. I usually ride five times a week, so I try and plan some off days during the school week so I can do more studying on those days.
I also run track for my school because I also wanted to do a school involved sport. It gets crazy around springtime! I really love going to school even though it restrains me a little bit in my riding. I just love my friends!
WEC: Tell us about your horses, Quinziano and Highgate.
I have Quinziano, his barn name is Bauer. I lease him from Lindsay Ayres, and I got him in late July. He has helped me move up into the Junior Hunters and has been a super good horse to do the derbies on.
I also have another horse Highgate and his barn name is Milo. He is six right now. We imported him when he was just about to turn four. He’s pretty special to me because he’s my little baby horse. He came over not really knowing how to jump, so I’ve trained him alongside my trainers. He is doing the Children’s Hunters now.
WEC: How has WEC been beneficial in developing ‘Milo?’
His first show was here! I think the divisions have been really helpful because I can show him during the week and on the weekend too. That has helped me to get him more time in the ring since he was so green when I got him. We live so close to WEC, so it is easy for me to get him out and do tons of stuff with him here. I have been able to desensitize him and give him so much exposure!
WEC: What is your main riding goal for 2025?
I’m trying to work on my consistency. I’ve been having placings that I’m proud of. I want to make it to Junior Hunter Finals this year with Bauer and lay down some solid rounds. I would love to go to indoors too!
WEC: What is your favorite part of the sport?
Of course, I love being around horses and animals, but to me, I think it’s just super rewarding. Especially since I have Milo, who’s very young, it has been so rewarding to bring him along through the difficult moments and the good moments. I have experienced so much with him.
Thank you, Catherine, for taking the time to speak with us! We wish you continued success in 2025.