Ocala, FL – This week’s Ocala Sunday Spotlight shines on the talented amateur athlete, Adelaide Toensing, hailing from Reddick, Florida. Known for her skills in the hunter and jumper rings, Toensing has recently embarked on a new venture—AT Sporthorses LLC—dedicated to selling and producing high-quality horses. We caught up with Toensing to learn more about her new business and explore some of her most memorable mounts throughout her career.
WEC: Tell us about yourself!
I started riding when I was just five years old. I’ve loved horses since the very beginning. I got my very first pony when I was nine. He wasn’t your typical show pony; he was a pony from a backyard who was a seeing eye pony for a horse in a field. He taught me so much, even though think I fell off him at nearly every horse show! He wasn’t fond of clapping, ribbons, or flowers – anything at a horse show wasn’t really his scene. But those experiences taught me so much.
During my junior years, I focused on equitation. I even competed in a few equitation finals, riding the same horse I rode in the derby the other day, ‘Chubbs’. He’s been with me since he was five years old, and now he’s 15. He’s a true member of the family at this point. My sister also rides him, and honestly, she probably rides him better than I do.
After my junior career, I went to college at the University of Georgia and was the captain on our D1 equestrian team! These days, I’m working with young horses. I imported some from Europe towards the end of the circuit and started my own LLC, which is both exciting and nerve-wracking. But my main focus is riding and learning from everyone around me.
WEC: Tell us more about your new LLC.
It’s called AT Sporthorses LLC. I’ve taken some bold steps, like taking out a loan to purchase a few horses on my own. It’s terrifying, but I’m learning the ropes!
Stakkatina, is a mare I bought as a six-year-old who’s now seven and is currently showing in the seven-year-old classes. She’s absolutely phenomenal, and while every horse is technically for sale, she’s going to be a tough one to let go of.
The hunter, Aredanos, we tried as a four-year-old stallion. He’s now coming six. He’s the best. He’s so easy going and is getting better and better with each experience in the ring. Right now, we are showing in the 3’ Young Hunter division, and I think he has a really promising future. He reminds me of Chubbs a bit.
WEC: Tell us a bit about your farm in Reddick, Florida.
We have a barn called, 5T Farm in Reddick which comes with 55 acres of land – it’s a dream come true. We have a 26-stall barn that we rent out, and I keep my sister and I’s horses in 10-stall barn. We also have two rings, a grass jumping field, a grass outfield, and so many trails. It’s so great for the horses to be able to change up the scenery almost every day.
My mom and my dad are such huge supporters, and I can’t thank them enough. My mom helps me out so much at the shows and around the farm. My dad is the best and will go cut down the trails for us, and help with barn chores. I couldn’t do what I do without them!
During winter circuit, WEC brings so many people here, we are able to rent the facility for the entire circuit, which is so much fun for me because I can learn from them.
WEC: Who are some of your most memorable horses in your career.
Chubbs of course! He will always have a special place in my heart. He taught me so much and brought me to so many of my firsts. He will always have a home with us, and I still love hopping on him every once in a while, to do a derby.
Mic Jagger is my horse of a lifetime. He’s out with an injury, but he owes me nothing. I rode him in my first grand prix at WEC. I actually leased him years ago for circuit and really struggled on him. Then, two years ago I tried him again, and we just clicked. He was so good, and just a total sweetheart on the ground. He tried his heart out for me every time he stepped in the ring, and now he might end up being my sister’s horse in the future. But he’s another one that isn’t going anywhere. He has a home with me for the rest of his life.
WEC: Tell us about your experiences at World Equestrian Center – Ocala.
WEC is such a special place! I am so lucky to be surrounded by so much talent that I can learn from, just by watching and listening to the riders and trainers around me.
I also don’t think I could ever go back to a tent stall ever again. We ended up replicating the stall mattresses here for our farm. The horses just love it, and as a rider it’s the best venue. I don’t think I’ve shown anywhere else in two years!
I also work at Exceptional Equestrian, so when I am not competing and doing all my other things, I am here. I think I spend more time here than I do at my own house!
Thank you, Adelaide for taking the time to chat with us! We wish you all the best of luck with AT Sporthorses LLC!