Ocala, FL – This week’s Ocala Sunday Spotlight shines on Isabelle Ehman, a well-versed junior rider from Georgia. Ehman has earned a long list of victories throughout her junior career from venues across the country. We caught up with Ehman to learn more about some of her accomplishments and goals for 2024.
WEC: Tell us about yourself.
I’m from Milton, Georgia. Since I’m on the road a lot showing, I don’t really have a home base. I show a lot here in Ocala, and I plan to do the Wellington circuit with my jumpers and come back and forth for specific classes. Since I train with Don Stewart in Ocala and Katie Prudent who is based out of Middleburg Virginia, I show all over the country.
WEC: What has been the most memorable moment of your junior career?
One of my most favorite moments would be winning grand champion at The Pennsylvania National Horse Show last year in the 3’6” Junior Hunters with my old hunter, San Pedro. He was awesome. We sold him, but that probably is one of my most favorite memories.
Another really special memory for me this year was sweeping the NAL Medium Junior/Amateur Final at Capital Challenge with my jumper, Aston des Etisses. It was a blast because it was the first time winning a big title with my jumper and it was so much fun.
WEC: Which equitation finals have you competed in?
I’ve done USEF Medal Finals, ASPCA Maclay, West Coast USET Finals, Capital Challenge, Gladstone Cup, WEC Premier Equitation Cup Championship, North American Youth Jumping Championship, and the Dudley B. Smith Equitation Championship.
This past year was a dream, I got to learn a lot and compete in big classes. I know what I need to continue to work on heading into the 2024 show year, but my goal is to end my last junior year on a good note.
WEC: Have you competed in the WEC Premier Equitation Cup Championship before?
I’ve competed in it three times – 2021, 2022, 2023 and I will be competing in it this year. I love competing in the WEC Premier Equitation Cup Championship at WEC. They do such a phenomenal job with all the jumps, dressing up the ring, and they really make it feel like a final. The chance to compete with the hotel in the background makes it so special and it’s a fun atmosphere because there is no other show like WEC.
WEC: What are you most excited about for the 2024 WEC Premier Equitation Cup Championship?
I am excited to have the opportunity to win a car. You never get to do that in the equitation, so it makes it even more special. Having this type of prize really gives me extra motivation to make sure I prepare the best I can for this class. This class also gives you a feel for what you have and what you need to work on for the year.
Personally, I love the WEC Premier Cup – I really think it is so fun and it is unlike any other class. It is a great class for everybody, not just for the kids but for the trainers and parents. It is just such a rewarding championship, especially since not only is the first-place person walking away with a prize, but the trainers are too.
WEC: What are your future riding goals?
I plan to go professional after I finish my last junior year! The goal is to climb the ranks in the jumper ring and eventually compete in the five-star classes, and hopefully make it onto a Nations Cup™ team. It is a big goal, but it is something I have wanted to do for a while.
Everything I do wouldn’t be possible without my support team. I am very lucky to have the opportunity to take the next step in my riding career.
WEC: Tell us about your experience at World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC).
This facility is not just concrete and arenas, it is so much more than that. It was made not only for the riders but also the horses. I really love that it not only gives you the opportunity to show on these fantastic grounds but also explore. Having the ability to trail ride or even flat out in one of the green fields is so nice.
I love being at the venue every week. The vendors, food and everything about this facility is great. There is always something to do or a class to watch. The Saturday night classes always have such a good crowd which makes the atmosphere even better. It is hard to keep the list short when there are so many great aspects to this facility.
Thank you Isabelle for taking the time to chat with us! We are looking forward to cheering you on in the 2024 WEC Premier Equitation Cup Championship!