Portraits by Kacy Brown
As a sixth-generation farmer, Amy Yoder knows the value of hard work. Growing up in rural Michigan instilled in her a deep respect for agriculture, innovation and the land. For more than 30 years she has built a successful career in the agricultural industry, bringing the same passion, dedication and entrepreneurial spirit to her role as CEO of her own global company as well as to her equestrian pursuits—and enabling her to overcome near-catastrophic injury, all while sharing the passion for horses with her two daughters.
By some standards, Amy was a late bloomer when it came to riding, taking up the sport at age 14. “I had wanted a horse for as long as I can remember, but my parents always thought it was a phase,” she said. “Since neither of them knew anything about horses, I think they were hoping I would eventually outgrow it.” Like so many children who fall in love with horses, she never outgrew the passion.
Amy’s first horse was a 15-hand buckskin named Lucky, who quickly became her partner in adventure. “I’m pretty sure we never walked anywhere—we ran everywhere,” she said. “Across fields, down country roads, through the snow pulling sleds, and even around a few barrels!” Those early adventures with Lucky ignited a passion for horses that would remain a constant throughout Amy’s life. Lucky remained Amy’s faithful companion until she left for college, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next.
Amy’s career as an executive, entrepreneur and parent kept her busy for more than 30 years, but her passion for horses never faded. She had always dreamed of competing in the jumper ring, and when the opportunity finally presented itself, she made the time to pursue that dream. “I wanted to learn how to jump ever since I could remember but growing up in rural Michigan, there wasn’t the opportunity to do it so I started taking lessons when my daughters were 5 and 3,” she said.
Amy’s equestrian pursuits soon became a family affair when what began as her personal dream quickly evolved into a shared passion with her daughters. “After I took lessons for a few months, my oldest daughter, Jessica, asked to start riding so for her 6th birthday we got her lessons. My youngest, Emily, started asking soon after but we made her wait until she was 6 as well,” she said. “We all rode together from the time they were 6 until they started high school.”
Pancho, a big gray former hunt horse, became Amy’s first hunter-jumper partner. “Pancho introduced me to the show ring. At that time we lived in St. Louis and I was just starting to compete. He was so brave and really took care of his rider,” she said. “We would be coming down the line and you could feel him say, ‘No, this isn’t the right distance,’ and he would take you to the right place every time. He gave me confidence and a love for the jumpers that I still have to this day.”
As Amy’s daughters entered high school, their interests expanded beyond horses. To give them the opportunity to fully explore new activities and sports, the family decided to step away from the equestrian world. “In high school, both girls were active in other sports so we actually backed away from the horses for a number of years,” she said.
While her family explored new interests, Amy continued to build an impressive career in the agricultural industry. Today, as CEO of Global Crop Solutions, Amy combines decades of agricultural expertise with a talent for leadership. “I’m asked to join companies that are just starting and want to gain market share quickly or assist with struggling companies that need someone to implement improvements and change,” she said.
Amy’s career has also shaped her equestrian journey in unexpected ways. “My work has played into my horse adventures primarily because, in order to do what I do, I have relocated roughly eight different times,” she said. “I’ve had the opportunity to ride in different parts of the country, with different trainers and in different barns. Each experience has taught me something new, and I’ve had the opportunity to meet people in the horse industry all over the country.”
Once Amy’s daughters graduated from college, she told her husband that she wanted to get back into riding. “My husband, Robert, is very non-horsey, and I’m pretty sure when we got married, he never imagined we’d end up where we are today,” she said. “But he has been incredibly supportive. When I said, ‘Let’s buy a farm in Ocala,’ he simply said, ‘Let’s go.’ He has been 100% committed to this journey, even though he has never sat on the back of a horse.”
While Amy and Robert were traveling overseas for vacation, the property they had been searching for suddenly became available. Unable to see it herself, she asked her daughters to visit the farm on her behalf. They quickly realized it was something special, and the rest is history. The 40-acre farm in Ocala has proven to be everything Amy had envisioned. “It needed some work but it had great bones,” she said. “We’re continually tweaking and improving it, but this place has been perfect. We just absolutely love it and there is nothing better than looking out your window and watching the horses.”
With her daughters grown and her husband’s unwavering encouragement, Amy has finally been able to return to the sport she has loved since childhood. What began as a desire to ride again soon evolved into a new chapter filled with horses, competition and a renewed passion for learning.
Like many equestrians, Amy has experienced the risks that come with the sport she loves. Last year while jumping, her horse stumbled on takeoff, sending her headfirst into the ground in a devastating fall. “I heard a large crack and I discovered that I was completely paralyzed from the neck down,” she said. Fortunately, someone was nearby and immediately rushed to her side. “I remember saying, ‘I am paralyzed from the neck down’—she told me, ‘Don’t move,’ and braced my neck.” Luckily, within 15 to 20 minutes the feeling came back to her limbs and by the time the paramedics came, she could move her toes and fingers. “I ended up breaking my neck, both C1 and C2, and I currently have a couple of rods and a bracket in my neck.”
Despite the severity of Amy’s injuries, her determination and resilience have remained as strong as ever. Amy was back in the saddle eight weeks after surgery, beginning at the walk, and has worked her way back to jumping and competing. “I am not where I was in my riding and that’s OK; I think I can get back to pretty close,” she said. “I would like to be able to compete in both 1.15 jumpers and 3’3” Amateur Owners—but mainly I want to be able to ride my horses well, regardless of the class.”
Amy credits Laura Kraut, Olympic champion, for providing her with the inspiration to keep moving forward. “She’s my age, she’s tough, she rides like a boss and doesn’t let age get in her way—I’m her biggest fan!” she said.
One of Amy’s greatest inspirations has been returning to the sport alongside her daughters. Today, the three can often be found at horse shows—competing, cheering each other on and sharing a bond that goes far beyond the ribbons, as reflected in her daughters’ words. “My mom has been a role model for me in every aspect of life and she has taught me the importance of hard work, setting goals, staying committed and always putting horsemanship first,” Jessica said. Her sister echoed those feelings, adding, “It’s rare to share the lessons of this sport with the very person who taught you to love it. For me, my mom has always been both a mentor and an inspiration,” Emily said.
Whether she’s leading a company, riding in the jumper ring, or cheering on her daughters from ringside, Amy has built a life rooted in purpose, perseverance and gratitude. “My journey hasn’t been perfect,” she said. “It has had its challenges and its celebrations, and it has been full of mistakes and learning. But to still have the ability to do what I love and to enjoy it with my family makes me incredibly grateful.”
Follow Amy and Global Crop Solutions on LinkedIn or Waters Edge Sporthorses llc on Facebook
Photos by Kacy Brown, kacybrownphotography.com
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