58 SIDELINES OCTOBER 2012
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
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By Kayce Douglass
She may only be 14 years old, but eventer Erin Jones is taking
Colorado by storm. Along with her mount, Edmund, the pair won
their frst Preliminary Event at the Spring Gulch Horse trial in
Colorado in May. Erin and Edmund then galloped on to wins in the
Preliminary division at Abbe Ranch in Larkspur, Colorado and The
Colorado Horse Park, in Parker, Colorado. They captured another
blue in Prelim at the Rocky Mountain Horse Trial in Longmont,
Colorado in August.
Erin and Edmund have formed a wonderful partnership and
Erin is thrilled that Edmund knows his job and that they work well
together. Edmund is an 18 year old Irish Sport Horse, owned
by Ashley Demander. Ashley and Edmund competed up to the
Advanced level in their career together. Ashley rode with Lynn
Klisavage in her younger years in Colorado and then trained with
Jimmy Wofford.
Edmund is enjoying his “second career” with Erin and the young
rider is quick to call him her horse of a lifetime.
Sidelines
caught
up with Erin in between her busy schedule with school, volleyball
practice and her daily trips out to Ashley’s barn to ride and give
Edmund carrots and hugs!
How did you begin your riding career?
I started riding before I could even walk, when Molly Rinedollar
let me ride her adorable pony Allie. Molly was instrumental in my
riding when I was just a wee one and then Allie came home to live
with us at our barn. Allie was 30 years old and was my constant
companion. She was my babysitter!
What is your favorite characteristic in a horse?
The willingness to try and a big heart. Trying is what really
matters the most.
What riders do you admire the most?
Karen O’Connor, Phillip Dutton and Jan Byyny
Who has infuenced you the most in your riding career?
Lynn Klisavage and K.C. Parkins-Kyle. Lynn started my
foundation before my legs even reached the bottom of my saddle
faps. She continues to challenge and educate me today and
has had a huge impact on my life and my riding. K.C. has been
instrumental in teaching me dressage. She knows how to balance
family, fun and riding with a touch of humor, but also hard work. I
look up to both of these women.
Best Advice you have ever been given?
When you fall off get right back in the saddle. It is true in life as
well.
Favorite Horse Trial?
Training 3 Day Event at the Colorado Horse Park. It was a
wonderful experience.
Who has supported your riding?
My family has been supportive. My sister Elizabeth is becoming
a pro helping me care for Edmund after we complete the cross-
country phase. I have been fortunate as I feel I have support
from numerous other riders in the Colorado eventing community.
Everyone is so encouraging.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not riding?
Playing volleyball because it keeps me in good shape for riding.
But my favorite thing to do has always been to ride!
What is your favorite quote?
“Our greatest glory is not in never failing; but in rising up every
time we fail.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Favorite Music?
Country Western. You know I am from Colorado and the West!
Erin and Edmund
Photo by Elizabeth Jones
Taking Colorado by storm!
Photo by Jeff Foltz