Willow Chase

My proven leadership and organizational prowess, honed at WINDURRA under Silva Martin, showcased significant advancements in my equine management and competitive riding. Excelled in transforming a green OTTB into a praised sport horse, while demonstrating exceptional patience and mentoring skills. Recognized for strong work ethic and effective communication, fostering professional growth and success in high-stakes environments.

• 2021 Area II Beginner Novice Champion on a score of 20.1
• 2022 Carolina Regional Eventing Rally Champion Rider and Team on a score of 28.6
• 2022 American Eventing Championships Novice Rider Reserve Champion on a score of 29.0
• 2022 Area II Championships at Novice 3rd place overall, 1st Place Young Rider on a score of 28.1
• 2023 NCDCTA Champion Horse of the Year for Novice and Training
• 2023 Carolina International 9th Place in the Training Rider
• 2023 Carolina Regional Show Jump Rally Highest Placed Rider for Equitation

BACKGROUND STORY

Originally from the small town of Parkton, North Carolina, my parents, Mom, a 30+ year Large and Small Veterinarian, Dad, a skillful manager and carpenter, and I operate a 24 stall boarding and training facility, which is where my start in riding began. Growing up, I dabbled in all kinds of riding, from Barrel Racing, Extreme Trail Riding to Hunter-Jumpers. It wasn't until 2017 when I found my place in the Eventing community. As I became more connected in this horse community, opportunities to catch ride and work with new horses was constant. This allowed me to ride and train a plethora of horses, from green OTTBs to young Warmbloods. These opportunities also paved the way to make connections to trainers like Daryl Kinney, Andrew McConnon, Bobby Costello, Will Faudree, and more. Alongside my Eventing career, I also dove into the silent communication of Ground Work/Liberty. In doing this, I incorporated these groundwork methods into my riding, allowing me to understand each horse both in and out of the saddle. I have always loved the quirky, not straightforward horses, it excites me to have to look deeper and find out why they might be acting or responding a certain way

In 2019, a client at our facility came to me seeking assistance with her horse, Diablo, who at the time knew nothing but how to buck and trail ride. Little did I realize, this would be the horse that would help build the beginning steps of my career. Diablo, who is a stocky, 16 hand, "big ego" kind of gelding, was eye catching; having a half white face and being a line-back Dunn. As I began to work with him, I discovered the potential that he had, and to further this "investigation" I gave him his first jump in May of 2020 which is where his natural ability was found. From that point on, I began to produce him from the ground up. Fast forward, we began training underneath Andrew McConnon to really propel my riding and Diablo's abilities to the next level, from this point on Diablo and I created an impressive success streak. Three years later, Diablo and I were competitively competing at the Training Level whilst schooling Modified heights and cross country questions. During all of these accomplishments we also became apart of organizations like Pony Club and NCDCTA, through these we were able work with top trainers like Phillip Dutton during an Equine Symposium hosted by NCDCTA.

Eventually the position fro Silva Martin was brought to my attention, which had around 300 applicants and over 5 previous trials before me. Bringing Diablo to this position was the plan until a fellow rider and friend reached out to me about taking over the reins on her horse, a quirky, 12y/o Thoroughbred who needed a lot of work. Fast forward to August of 2024, this horse has made a complete 360, both mentally and within his physical abilities, transforming into a sport horse. The hope is to sell him and find a proper upper level prospect to produce.

My overall goals are to go all the way within my riding through a more structured and methodical approach to the upper levels.