166 SIDELINES MARCH 2014
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
By Kathryn Murphy
T
here are very few people in the world who can say that they
have competed at Rolex in Lexington, Kentucky. There are even
fewer who can say that they have competed at Rolex on a 15.1
hand Thoroughbred. Holly Payne has done both. Her determination
and talent has led her to become an accomplished rider, trainer and
businesswoman.
Even at an early age, Holly was in the saddle. She can’t remember the
first time she got on a horse because she has been riding for her entire
life. “Riding was just a part of me,” she recalls. It came naturally to her,
and the relationship that she developed with her horses was unlike any
other. It was, and still is, her biggest motivation to ride.
She grew up on her parent’s farm in Oldwick, New Jersey and was a
member of Somerset Hills Pony Club. “Pony Club helped me to become
well-rounded and educated in all aspects, especially horsemanship. I
learned to be independent.” At age 16, Holly achieved “A” level in Pony
Club. From there, she went on to become a level 3 ICP certified trainer
through the United States Eventing Association (USEA), a four-star level
eventer and an FEI certified dressage rider. Her dedication to her sport
was limitless.
Graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in finance and investments from
the University of North Florida helped Holly to start her own business.
Holly Payne Equestrian focuses on competition, training, sales and
investment of horses. Holly says that her education has helped her put
the horse world into perspective. “It’s very easy to get tunnel vision living
in the horse world. I like to think that my education helps me to keep an
open mind and see the big picture in the real world. I run all aspects of my
business and feel like I have the ability to make good financial decisions.”
Holly has shown at many venues both across the country and
Holly Payne:
Going the Distance
e
Eventing
Holly and Madeline at the 2012 Kentucky Rolex Three-Day Event.
Photo courtesy of Holly Payne
Holly riding Fox, a 2006 Thoroughbred gelding, on the
cross-country course.
Photo by Mike McNally
Continued on page 168
