104 SIDELINES NOVEMBER 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
By Dani Moritz
With impressive wins all year-round in the equitation, hunter and jumper rings,
Caitlin Boyle, of Hampshire, Illinois, is on a roll! The daughter of Patrick Boyle
(owner of Showplace Productions), this 16-year-old has earned her own name to
fame and she’s certainly a young rider to watch.
She trains with her dad and Kim Gardiner, of Perfecta Farm, and successfully
competes on three different horses: her own Finders Keepers; Carus Z, owned by
Kim Nixon; and Loredo, owned by Micaela Kennedy. And all while going through
the motions of high school! We asked Caitlin some questions about her riding
career and this is what she had to say:
What do you enjoy most about riding?
I just love the feeling of being on the back of a horse and seeing improvements
with my horses and myself. Seeing my horses improve is a very rewarding feeling.
What is it like training with your dad?
I love training with my dad. He always pushes me to be better and pays attention
to every little detail. There really isn’t a negative to having my dad train me because
I know that everything he does is for the best and we are able to move past any
conflicts that we come across.
What is it like having your dad run Showplace Productions?
I am very proud of my dad for everything he has done with the company. He
works very hard and puts everything into running his horse shows. He works a lot
of hours, which is a negative, but I love learning from him. I try to help out with little
things or give my advice as much as I can.
What would you consider your greatest riding accomplishment?
Winning numerous overall Washington Equitation classes at the 2013 Winter
Equestrian Festival!
e
You have been very successful this season
at Summer at the Rockies. Anything in
particular you think has contributed to your
success?
I believe that the confidence I gained over the
winter has helped me with the mental aspect of
this sport. Also, riding against more competitors
has made me work hard in order to win.
You seem to have a very close relationship
with Loredo. What makes him special?
I have been working with Loredo for about one
year now. He truly has the best personality and
will always put in the same amount of effort as I
do. He makes me smile every time I see him and
I always find it difficult to get mad at him. He is a
gentle giant and loves everyone.
What are your plans for the future?
Right now, my plans are to ride in college and
eventually manage my own barn. I know I have
a lot of work in my future, but I can’t wait to start
my riding and training career.
What are you currently looking forward to
when it comes to your riding?
I can’t wait to participate in the equitation finals
at Harrisburg, Kentucky and Washington. Even
though it seems far away, finals are just around
the corner.
What’s your favorite thing to do when you are
not at the barn?
When I’m not riding, I like to relax with my family
and have movie nights. I have two stepbrothers
who are in the Marines so I try to spend time with
them whenever they are home.
Caitlin Boyle:
Earning Her Own Name
Caitlin and Loredo at The Colorado Horse Park.
Photo by Mary Adelaide Brajenridge
Caitlin and her dad preparing for her ride. Caitlin says she really enjoys having
her dad as her trainer.
Photo courtesy of Caitlin Boyle
