WIHS Leaderboard Spotlight: Equitation—West  

Rider: Noah Nelson 
Age: 18  
Hometown: Santa Barbara, CA  
Class/Division: Equitation, Junior Jumpers, Junior Hunters  
Trainers:  Leslie Nelson, Sterling Silver Stable, Santa Barbara, CA and Ken and Emily Smith, Ashland Farms, Wellington, FL and Lexington, KY  
Horse: Quite Cassini, 19, Holsteiner owned by Ashland Farms  

Question – What is something you would like to tell your younger self right before your first equitation class or final?    

Answer – If I were able to tell my younger self about where I am now, I don’t think he would believe me. I am eternally grateful for all who have helped me to get where I am and who have helped me when I needed it most. If I were to talk to my younger self, I would say believe in yourself and your ability, and trust in the decisions you decide to make.  

Q – Have you been to WIHS before? If not, what are you looking forward to this fall?  

A – I have never been to WIHS, and I am most looking forward to competing in the WIHS Equitation Final. I also look forward to meeting new people and making new friends as well as learning as much as I can and experiencing as much as I can while I’m there.  

Q – What is your routine for an equitation finals day, and what is one part of that routine you cannot skip?  

A – I have never actually competed in an equitation final but I do have a routine that I like to follow before I ride – I like to listen to a certain music playlist. It gets me into a positive headspace, and I feel like I can focus and ride better, as well as feel more confident.   

Q – If you weren’t competing in the equitation, hunters, and jumpers, what other equestrian sport would you want to try?  

A – I would like to try Western trail. I’ve never actually tried it, but it looks fun. It would also be interesting to learn a new discipline.  

Q – Are there riders you look up to and admire?  

A – I look up to include Kent Farrington, Gregory Wathelet, and Mavis Spencer. Each of these riders are who I aspire to be like, aspire to ride like, and compete against one day.   

Q – What three words would you use to describe your horse?  

A – I would describe the horse I ride as easy, talented, and trustworthy. He is very fun to ride and is extremely focused when we’re riding. He has a great personality and I’m very grateful every day I ride him.  

Q – How to do unwind and relax with your horse(s) when you’re not at shows?  

A – I like to relax with my horses by taking them on walks/trail rides as well as letting them graze. I believe that time off is important for my horses so that when we are competing, I don’t have to worry about how tired they are if they have been showing for an extended amount of time.   

Q – Do you have a favorite equitation test?  

A – My personal favorite is the “Downward Transition Test” (Test 2). I feel it’s a somewhat simple test but also can be difficult under certain conditions. I also like test 20, the “Hand Gallop,” I feel that if done correctly and properly it will make you stand out from the other participants.  

Q – Biggest or most memorable win?  

A – I’d say that my biggest equitation win was quite recent, when I was first in the WIHS Jumper phase (Section B) at Devon! I rode Quite Cassini and I consider it one of my best accomplishments.   

Written By: Katie Grandelli, WIHS Communications and Marketing Intern