By Britney Grover
Kaiya Lombard is 10 years old and has only been riding for four years, yet her equestrian career has already had more ups and downs than many kids her age on the show circuit. Kaiya lives in Seattle, Washington, and rides at Horse IQ in nearby Redmond, Washington, where she trains with Rob Van Jacobs. She may not attend as many shows as other riders, but she certainly makes the most of the ones she does.
As a pony rider, Kaiya dreamed of competing at the Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, California. A few days after her pony arrived there in 2022, the circuit was cancelled due to the equine herpes outbreak. Then in February 2023, Kaiya’s trip was cancelled two days before her pony got on the trailer due to some difficult, unforeseen circumstances out of her control. Finally, Kaiya got to compete at Thermal in November 2023 and “rocked it,” Rob said. Kaiya finished her pony career as 2023 Washington State Hunter Jumper Association Reserve Champion for both Short Stirrup Hunter Ponies and Short Stirrup Equitation Ponies.
“Since moving onto a horse in 2024, Kaiya proves to be a consistent talent—most recently winning all five classes in the Short Stirrup Hunters on her horse Dubai at the Oregon High Desert Classic in Bend, Oregon,” Rob said. “Kaiya truly loves her horses and creates a special bond with them. Her natural talent and natural feel for the horse explain why all horses love her!”
How did you become part of the horse world?
A friend invited me to a pony camp during the COVID-19 pandemic summer in 2020, so I said yes and fell in love with it.
Do you have family members that ride?
None of my family members ride. My parents didn’t even know that this existed until I went to that pony camp. They are still learning all about this sport.
How did you meet Rob Van Jacobs and start training with him?
I met Rob in Wilsonville, Oregon, in August 2021. It was my second show and the first one I did out of state. I was scheduled at the same time as an older rider so my trainer at the time asked if it was OK if Rob, who was then the assistant trainer, could work with me. I said yes. I was showing in the crossrail classes at that show and won my first blue ribbon with Rob training me!
What do you like about training with Rob?
I love how Rob is super kind. He blends learning with fun.
What’s the best part about riding?
Riding is lots of fun, is calming and brings me joy.
Tell us about the horses you ride.
I show with my amazing lease horse Dubai and I’m doing the 2’3” Short Stirrup with him. His personality is kind, loving and caring. I also half-lease a horse named Jack for training lessons to make my riding stronger. Jack is also kind, happy and very bouncy. I love how they are both so kind and sweet.
How do you balance school and riding?
I’m starting 5th grade. I ride about three times a week during the school year, more during the summer, and most of the time it’s easy to manage! It does take a long time to get to the barn because I live in the city.
What are your goals for riding and showing?
My goals are to one day be an Olympian or have my own barn and be a professional rider.
Do you have any pets at home?
I have a dog named Remy, he’s a cockapoo.
What’s your best-kept secret?
I love baking!
What’s the best thing about your life?
That so, so, so many great things and people are around me. I feel very lucky to be able to do this because I know that not everyone has the chances I have.
