Wilmington, Ohio – This week’s Wilmington Sunday Spotlight shines on Plain Bay Farm, owned and operated by Katie and Henri Prudent. Both recognized among show jumping’s most successful athletes, the Prudents have produced numerous international riders through the top ranks of the sport. After a two week visit to World Equestrian Center – Wilmington, we caught up with Katie to learn more about Plain Bay, her experience at WEC and her vision for the future of the sport.
WEC: Tell us about Plain Bay Farm.
I have owned my farm in Virginia for about 40 years. I met my husband shortly after I bought the farm, and we got married in 86, so we’ve been running Plain Bay together for many years. In the beginning, he and I both rode at the Grand Prix level and traveled all over the world, and that was a lot of fun.
We got students little by little and now that we don’t ride anymore, we really concentrate on the kids who want to go to the top – the kids that want to ride open jumpers to maybe one day be on the U.S. team. We have a variety of juniors and amateurs, but Henri and I really want to cultivate motivated young riders who would like to make it to the top of the sport.
WEC: Tell us about your experience at WEC – Wilmington.
I have been here once before, but I didn’t get to enjoy it fully or even become familiar with all these beautiful indoor rings. This has been such a delight. I mean, the weather’s been beautiful this week, but even if it’s rainy, you never have to step foot outside! All of the stabling, all the schooling areas and all the competition rings are inside.
It’s just wonderful. As far as the sport, what I noticed for the time that we’ve been here is that there have been amazing top course designers, and of course, jumping great courses is what helps to make young riders and young horses. I think this place has done a phenomenal job and really tested the horses and riders at every level.
WEC: What is a piece of advice that you would give to a young professional starting out in the industry?
I really feel like the hunters and equitation have been wanting performances that are very quiet and very calm, and they’re beautiful to watch. However, that’s not always the reality with horses. I think kids should learn to learn to ride horses when they’re fresh, when they buck and when they spook.
I think my advice would be get right into the jumpers. Now, they have jumpers at many levels, even the lowest level for the .65m. My advice would be, if you really want to participate in horses as a sport, go right into the jumper ring.
WEC: What do you feel is the root of your training program?
Luckily the French and the Americans both ride with a very forward seat – we call it Hunter seat in America. I was lucky enough to grow up under the tutelage of George Morris, who was the greatest trainer of all time. So, I would say my training system is rooted in what I learned from George, which was extensive. I was with him for 10-12 years, and he took me from a junior rider through jumpers and all the way on the team and to the Olympic Games.
He really was a great motivator. He showed me and many other riders what we could achieve everything we wanted if we really wanted it and worked at it.
WEC: What was the highlight of your two weeks here at WEC?
I think it was Breeze Kay winning the futures prix. She’s very green. Just earlier this year when she came with us at the beginning of Florida, she was having trouble getting around the low children’s. Now, she’s winning the big 1.30m class and I thought it was quite testy! That was great for her. It was really cool to watch!
Thank you, Katie, for taking the time to speak with us!