Wilmington, Ohio – This week’s Wilmington Sunday Spotlight shines on Dakota Zehler of Wellington, Florida. When she’s not showing in the Medium Pony Hunters or the 1.00m Junior Jumpers, Dakota is back in the barn helping the team at Flying Soleau LLC. We caught up with the bright young rider to learn more about her love for the sport and her two mounts, Lost Boy & Farmers Proud Hs.
WEC: How did you get started riding?
I started riding because my mom used to ride when she was younger. She grew up riding with my trainer Kelly Soleau. When I got older, I started to ride Kelly’s pony Peter, and it has been so amazing since. I started riding and taking little lessons at a different barn in Wellington, and then my mom and Kelly connected about Peter.
WEC: Tell us about the horses you have been showing, Lost Boy & Farmers Proud Hs.
Peter [Lost Boy] is amazing, he is my perfect pony. I started riding him a couple years ago and he was a little bit crazy as a young pony! As I started to ride him, we really improved together so much. I took him to Pony Finals last year and he won the over fences and was reserve champion. He has been so amazing, and it has been so fun to improve together.
I showed Farmy for the first time here in the spring. It was great because I got to school over my course the night before. It has been a really nice, chill vibe for my first time in the jumpers so it has been really fun to have the opportunity to show her.
WEC: Tell us about your day-to-day as a working student at Flying Soleau LLC.
It has been amazing! I start out in the mornings helping with riding Peter and Farmy. I usually wake up pretty early for my classes and I love to help get the horses ready and watch Kelly do the bigger classes. At home I help with turnout and all of the barn chores.
WEC: What is your favorite thing about riding?
Being around the horses! It is so amazing to watch them all improve and succeed. I really enjoy watching them all go in and do amazing things.
WEC: Tell us about your experience at WEC – Wilmington.
I love coming to WEC because it is so fun. All of my friends are always here. The rings are so nice and they always put really fun things in the rings. Of course, I love the ice pops that give out on the golf carts. That’s my favorite part.