Wilmington, Ohio – This week’s Wilmington Sunday Spotlight shines on Annalice Weithofer, of Clarksville, Ohio. Annalice is a frequent competitor in the Standlee Sanctuary at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington (WEC) with her two talented jumper mounts, Trig Happy Wind Van Het Eikenhof and Donna Du Chache Pot Z. We caught up with Annalice to learn more about her journey in the sport and her goals for the future since recently acquiring her own farm, White Oak Equestrian.
WEC: Tell us a little bit about your riding journey.
I started riding when I was seven. I started competing more seriously when I was 13. I rode with David Beisel for a few years and then David Jennings down in Ocala. I rode with Wilhelm Genn as a client and then I was a working student for him for two years. I did the equitation and the hunters when I first started showing. I have been strictly in the jumper ring for a few years now. I have been having a few professionals help me here and there.
I got my big horse, Happy, and I have had him for three years now. He was my move up horse and really taught me a lot. I have a six-year-old that I got in December of last year. So, I just have been showing those two recently.
WEC: Tell us about your horses, Trig Happy Wind Van Het Eikenhof and Donna Du Chache Pot Z.
Happy is a 17-year-old Belgian Warmblood. He is an older grand prix horse. I got him to show me the ropes of the bigger classes and do the 1.20m through the 1.30m and he really took me beyond that! He has been super happy and we are going to let him keep going as long as he wants to. He has a forever home with us!
My six-year-old, Donna, is out of Dominator. She is a little bit hot and it has been a slow process developing her over the last year. But, I am so excited to see where it all goes with her. She did the 1.20m this week and will be here for the last two weeks of the fall series.
I also have a two-year-old that is out of Wilhelm’s [Genn] Happy Z mare, so we are super excited to see where that goes! We have a few other horses at the farm so I am just going to keep working on my riding and hopefully, become a professional in a few years.
WEC: How has WEC – Wilmington been beneficial for your riding career?
I love WEC. First off, it is right in our backyard! The prize money is awesome and the footing is amazing. The courses are always really nice and great for the young horses. There is always enough to look at for the young ones and it is a great place to develop them. The classes are all competitive. It is nice to be able to still go in on Happy and jump the bigger classes and also be able to bring my young horse here. The management is great, the stabling is awesome and everyone is so lovely to be around.
WEC: How have you juggled school and your riding career?
I did regular public school through eighth grade. Starting in high school, I did my first semester of freshman year in person and then went to Ocala and did most of high school online. When I graduated, I did college online and graduated in 2022.
WEC: Tell us about your operation at White Oak Equestrian.
My family owns White Oak Equestrian. We have a 14-stall barn that we just purchased in Clarksville. I do everything by myself, so I am out there every day doing the stalls and all of the barn work. I love it. I really just love the horses so much and I have such a passion for it. I want to wake up and be better at it every day.
WEC: What is a short-term and long-term riding goal of yours?
Short term, I really want to stay consistent in the 1.30m classes with Happy. Maybe win another futures prix or two! A long-term goal would definitely be to win a grand prix and be a competitive professional at that level.
Thank you, Annalice, for taking the time to speak with us! We wish you continued good luck in your riding journey!