Wilmington, Ohio – This week’s Wilmington Sunday Spotlight shines Milagros and Victoria de Jong of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Together, the sisters share their love for riding and can be found supporting each other in and out of the ring when showing at WEC – Wilmington. Milagros and her own, Grandslam ES spend time in the R+L Arena in the 3’6” Junior Hunters and National Hunter Derbies, while Victoria and her pony, Singing The Blues, can be found in the R+L Annex in the Large Pony Hunters and Pony Hunter Derbies. We caught up with the sister duo to learn more about their horses and experience at WEC!
WEC: How did you get started riding?
M: We both started riding when we were really little. Our family has a cattle ranch in Argentina, so we rode horses when we little with our parents. We would go check on the cattle and play with the horses together even when we weren’t supposed to! I just love the horses most of all. We moved to Houston and eventually to Pittsburgh, I always was asking for riding lessons. My mom loves horses too, so she was always a super fan and then we went from there.
V: I started showing when I was about 13 years old. I have been making my way up in these last three years trying to get as far as I can. We ride with Cindy McCullough at Blackburn Farms and Maggie Brink at Houdini Farms has been helping us at a couple of shows here at WEC. Everyone is so helpful, nice and supportive with our journey with our horses.
WEC: Tell us about your horses.
M: Grandslam ES, also known as Toad, is my horse. We got him when he was six-year-old from Epic Sport Horses. He is eight now. He is a huge goofball. He is so goofy on the ground and a total cuddle bug. He loves his treats, attention and kisses. When we get in the ring, he always tries his heart out for me. I like to say he is the most selfless horse. He always takes care of me in every way.
V: Singing The Blues, also known as Pickles, is my large pony. I leased him out last year and then we bought him out. He has been doing a lot better since I got him! He used to be very green and would sometimes stop. But now, he has been really well and is just amazing.
WEC: How has WEC been beneficial in developing your partnerships with your horses?
M: I love WEC. Toad loves the environment here. In our region, it is the only big indoor with real jumps and great competition. I can come here and really gallop down the lines. It is so nice to have it. It is a special place for me. Before I had Toad, I had a tough fall with another horse, so bringing Toad here really helped bring me back and give me more confidence.
V: I started in the 2ft two years ago with Pickles here at our first show together. Now, we are doing the 2’9” together. Just seeing how I have been able to grow at WEC is impressive. I went from not even being able to make it around or place in classes, and now I can come here and place with all of these amazing horses. I was able to qualify for Pony Finals here!
WEC: Is it special for you to be able to share your love for riding together?
M: It is really cool to watch each other grow and give each other tips based on our experience. I love showing with Vicky. Our horses also love each other, we say their brothers.
V: I love riding together. We don’t compete against each other, so it is so nice to be supportive of each other. I also really like switching around horses and getting to ride Toad. Sometimes Mimi will ride Pickles to help me out. Our horses also go out in the field together, so they love it too.
WEC: What are your goals for 2025?
M: I want to be very consistent. I want to do my best at Devon, Junior Hunter Finals and hopefully the Pennsylvania National Horse Show at the end of this year. We want to go to some different venues throughout the summer.
V: My goal is to do well at Pony Finals this summer and I would really like to qualify for Devon!
Thank you both for taking the time to speak with us! We wish you continued success with Toad and Pickles!
