Wilmington, Ohio – This week’s Wilmington Sunday Spotlight shines on Campbell Brown. Riding out of Ashwood Farm, Campbell has been a frequent competitor in all three rings at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington (WEC) with a talented string of horses. We caught up to Campbell to learn more about her journey in the sport, her horses at Fall Classic V and her riding goals.
WEC: Tell us about how you got started riding.
I started locally in Arkansas. There was a barn about 30 minutes from where I lived. I was asking to do lessons and my parents finally gave in and I started seriously taking lessons when I was nine. I did my first local show when I was 10, and then when I was 11 I started riding with Mary Ann Thomas, who I ride with today at Ashwood Farm. I do some with Katie Prudent at Plain Bay Farm for the jumpers, and some with North Run for equitation.
My mom also rode when she was younger. She actually rode with Mary Ann as a kid. They were good friends and when we were looking for a pony, we connected with Mary Ann and decided to come to Ashwood.
WEC: Tell us about the horses you have been showing here at WEC.
I have Caiam D’ivraie that will do the grand prix. He has a lot of nicknames; Spiderman is the main one. He is a super hero basically! He is very quirky, but he is so close to my heart. He is my buddy for sure. I have had him for about two years now. My first show on him was here in the fall about two years ago, so it is special to be jumping the grand prix on him here. Harmonie L is my second one in the grand prix. I have had her for about a year and a half and we actually traded a horse for her, so she just kind of fell into our lap. She has become a really cool horse.
Huck and Erios are my equitation horses. I have had them for a couple of years also. They are both so dependable and I can always go in and make all of the inside turns and everything I ask of them. They are both so fun.
WEC: How has WEC been influential in the development of your riding?
The facilities are both so nice for horses and exhibitors. Ohio is nice for us because it is such a quick drive over. We can get some points here and it is great to get the experience indoors since we do so much showing outside throughout the year. The courses here are always great and it is really helpful to get us prepared for the rest of the year.
WEC: What is a short-term goal and long-term goal of yours?
Short term, I would love to be consistent in the U25 stuff and move up to the FEI in Florida. I have equitation finals this year that I want to get qualified for. The WEC Premier Cup is one of them! Long term, I want to compete internationally for the team and be dependable on Team USA.
WEC: How do you balance school and riding?
I am applying to some colleges so that I have options open. I currently do Upper Echelon Academy online so that I can manage my own schedule and balance when I need it. We are based in Lexington, Kentucky, over the summer and Wellington, Florida, through the winter, so it is nice to be able to balance my school and riding.
WEC: What keeps you motivated in the sport every day?
Just getting to be around the horses everyday motivates me. Everyone gets overwhelmed and stressed sometimes and if I just take those days to go and hang out with my horses in the barn it makes everything better for me.
Thank you, Campbell, for taking the time to speak with us! We wish you continued success with your talented string of horses!
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Results can be found at horseshowing.com.
All horse show images are provided by Winslow Photography and can be purchased onsite at WEC – Wilmington or online through their website.