Wilmington Sunday Spotlight: Cole Jackson

Wilmington, Ohio – This week’s Wilmington Sunday Spotlight shines on young professional Cole Jackson, a familiar, friendly face around the facility. Riding and training out of David Beisel Stables, Cole has tackled every side of the industry, from showing and teaching to grooming and starting young horses. We caught up with him to learn more about his journey and his love for the sport!

WEC: Tell us about how you got into riding.

I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. I started riding when I was about six or seven. Growing up, I was that crazy animal boy. I loved all animals. My grandma grew up on a farm in Oklahoma. I remember being little and she would always tell me stories about her life on the farm. I loved hearing about that, and she kind of planted the horse bug in me when I was really little.

From there, I actually started out doing 4-H. I showed goats and sheep and chickens and all kinds of crazy stuff. Then I got into horses — I did that all through elementary school, and toward the end of middle school, I moved to my first actual hunter/jumper barn. I rode with Jill Pelzel and Katie Pelzel at Fall River Farm from the end of middle school through high school. They’re amazing — I learned so much there. That was my introduction to the real horse show, hunter/jumper life.

WEC: Tell us about your role now at David Beisel Stables.

So, I am one of David’s assistants, along with the amazing, gorgeous, multi-talented Allie McBreen. I kind of do a little bit of everything! My main roles are riding, grooming, and teaching. I do some little kid lessons and things like that. Within the past two years I’ve been with David, I’ve also become the main one who starts all the babies. We have a growing fleet of young horses. I think we have six now, so I have been helping to start them. It’s so fun. I love it.

WEC: What was your experience riding at Goucher College?

I went to Goucher College in Maryland. I was on the IHSA team there and it was literally the most fun four years of my life. It was so cool. The barn was on campus, so I could walk there from my dorm, which was awesome.

My show career there was great. I won our region every single year I showed. My senior year, I made it to Nationals individually for both jumping and flat, and my team made it too, which was really cool. We were eighth overall as a team, and I got Reserve Champion individually.

WEC: How has WEC – Wilmington has been influential for you as a rider and as a young professional?

It’s the perfect spot for us because it’s so close. Our farm is about 20 minutes away, so we’re quite spoiled getting to come here as much as we do. Honestly, WEC has been great because you get the high-end showing and quality facilities, but it’s still a really friendly environment for the horses and riders. There’s a good mix of low-stake and high-stake moments — classes where you can just learn and go through the ropes, and classes where there’s more pressure. It’s been great for me as a young professional to just get out in the ring as much as I can.

WEC: What is your biggest goal moving into 2026 season?

My biggest goal for 2026 would probably be getting all the babies started and into the ring, since they’re getting up there in age. I also recently bought a three-year-old mare, so next year she’ll be coming four. I’m really excited to keep developing her and get her in the ring with them as well. I also just started to ride Haufom, so I am excited to get more ring time with him!