Wilmington, Ohio – This week’s Wilmington Sunday Spotlight shines on Caitie Hope Rose of Chicago, Illinois. The dedicated amateur returned to WEC – Wilmington for Winter Spring Forward with her talented nine-year-old KWPN mare, Lyminka Sh (Emir R x Chique Z), and earned top placings in the 1.20m Amateur Jumpers, while also juggling her full-time job from Vendor Village. We caught up with Caitie to learn more about her journey in the sport, Lyminka and her experience at WEC!
WEC: How did you get started riding?
I have been riding for close to thirty years. I am from the Chicago suburbs and still live there now. My sister rode growing up, so anytime that she was at the barn, I needed to follow! I started taking lessons, moved onto the short stirrup and then the small ponies. From there I moved right into the Children’s Hunters. I have worked with a lot of great professionals but most notably, Diane Carney for probably 20 years now. I am an amateur now and I just have one horse. I have a background in the equitation and the hunters. As I am juggling my full-time job, the time that I have I devote to my jumper.
WEC: How do you juggle your full-time work and make it to the horse shows?
Luckily, I am fully remote. Pretty much as long as I have my laptop and reliable Wifi, I can be anywhere. Coming here is perfect because you have the coffee shop, the riders’ lounge and Vendor Village. I took a call today from the couches in Vendor Village and was able to juggle both today, so I am really fortunate in that regard!
WEC: Tell us about your experience at WEC – Wilmington.
It has been great! The last time I was here was before COVID. It is so exhibitor and horse friendly. Obviously, all of the upgrades that have been made and are continuing to be worked on are amazing. The new mats in the stalls are amazing. You definitely feel like management wants you here and there is so much attention to detail. You get a great showing experience here and such a great, appropriate challenge. I have definitely enjoyed being back and WEC will be on our schedule in the future.
WEC: Tell us about Lyminka Sh.
Lyminka will be nine this year. She is a great horse. She works really hard, wants to win and is super smart. She is so sweet in the barn so it has been fun building a relationship with her over the past two years. I don’t go to a ton of horse shows, so we try not to over jump her, and we hit the mark at the show. We have big hopes for her this summer. We are planning to make it up to Spruce Meadows for their 50th Anniversary so fingers crossed all of the logistics work out. I am looking forward to getting to take her and we will hopefully be back here over the summer and fall.
WEC: What is your favorite thing about the sport?
I really like goal setting. I like going out everyday and working toward the same goal and finding the mental focus in the sport. Of course, we all have chill days, but knowing that I am working toward something bigger keeps me going.
WEC: Tell us a short term and a long-term goal.
Short term, I would love to move up to the Medium Amateur’s. She is only nine, so I am not in a rush, and I want to make sure our foundation is super strong. Long term, I would love to get back into the grand prix ring some day!