A change in horses won’t stop Lauren McCaulley from competing at WIHS.
By Carley Gray, Intern, June 20, 2018
Horse showing is a family affair for the McCaulley family of Lake Charles, Ill. The family is planning to travel to the 60th Washington International Horse Show where younger sister, Lauren, will compete in the $10,000 WIHS Children’s Jumper Championship. Lauren is currently the top qualifier on the 14-year old Warmblood, Umano De La Ruche, but as this was only a six-month lease, she plans to show her other horses in the Children’s Jumpers.
Lauren McCaulley and her horse, Blue Sugar OTJ. Photo by Farah Butt.
McCaulley is trained by Maggie Jayne of Our Day Farm based out of Elgin, Ill., and Wellington, Fla. She is on the qualifying list with Blue Sugar OTJ or “Sugar”, a 9-year old Oldenburg mare. The two recently placed 3rd in the High Children’s Jumpers at the Devon Horse Show. She also hopes to qualify on her newest mount, Tenacious D or “Darcy”, a 10-year old Warmblood mare, with whom she’ll be showing soon. Lauren describes both mares as spicy and very energetic. They are similar in personality, but differ in their experience. Lauren has had more time in the saddle with Sugar, but she describes Darcy as the more experienced.
Lauren McCaulley and “Sugar” competing in the high children’s jumpers at the Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo by Sport Fot.
The 14 year old, rising freshman in high school has proven to be highly competitive by being the Circuit Champion at WEF for the High Children’s Jumpers with Umano De La Ruche. She also has top circuit placings in the Low Children’s Jumpers in previous years. Lauren is known for being able to get on a new horse and make it work.
“Lauren is a fierce competitor and has an amazing understanding of how to adapt to make her horses go their best. Her technique gets stronger each horse show she goes to,” said Lauren’s trainer, Maggie Jayne.
Lauren McCaulley rewarding Blue Sugar OTJ after a clear round. Photo by Irene Powlick.
Lauren is following in her sister, Kennedy McCaulley’s, footsteps and began riding six years ago. Now the two siblings hope to take on the Capital One Arena together. Kennedy MCaulley competes in the Junior Jumpers. Lauren will continue to follow her sister’s path with hopes to move up to the Low Junior Jumpers with her two horses after this competition year.
Check out more stories on other top qualifiers!
Top Children’s Hunter Qualifier
Top WIHS Pony Equitation Qualifier
Top WIHS West Coast Equitation Qualifier
Top Adult Hunter Qualifier
We wish Lauren McCaulley the best of luck in the Children’s Jumper championship at her first year at the Washington International Horse Show!
Take a look at all of the WIHS Equitation and Championship standings!
