Molly Sewell
Wellington, Florida
Professional rider and trainer
How long have you been part of the horse world?
I’ve been a professional for almost 19 years, but started riding when I was 6 years old. I was passionate about the horse world long before I knew it would be a great career.
What part do you play in the horse world?
I’m a trainer and rider, and I do a lot of riding and showing myself. I mostly ride hunters, but I do occasionally get to go to the jumper ring to show or help a client.
What’s your favorite thing about what you do?
The answer to that question has changed over the years and it’s hard to pick just one favorite. It used to be when I would show. I loved the thrill of a great round. There’s an intense feeling of satisfaction when you walk out of the ring knowing that everything went exactly as planned. That feeling, to me, was the reward for countless hours of training and dedication. Now, however, I get the most satisfaction when everything comes together for my clients and horses. It’s so gratifying to see a rider and horse in my program put everything together. Another favorite of mine is developing young horses to the highest level and reaching their utmost potential.
What’s your biggest achievement?
I would have to say that to this day, I still get goosebumps thinking about a round I had on a horse named Casparo in the Green Incentive Finals in 2015. He ended up third in the finals, but it felt like winning to me. He tried so hard for me, and landing off the last single oxer of the course was a feeling that I can’t explain. So surreal and so amazing. 
What are your goals for the future?
I made a shift in my career this summer and established my own business, Molly
Sewell LLC. Having always worked under someone else’s banner, I’m excited to finally set my own course. The change gives me the opportunity to take a fresh look at our sport and focus more narrowly on my clients and horses. So, I would say my goals for the future are to continue to grow my business. My definition of growth is not all about the numbers, though. Growth to me is in having a business full of positivity, knowledge and great people to work with.
What’s the best thing about your life?
How can I complain when I ride horses all day long! This career is not easy, and it can consume your life if you’re not mindful of your limits. I’ve really worked hard in the last couple of years at finding the right balance in life. It was my downfall for a very long time. Years went by and I barely remember them. I was stuck in a world that wouldn’t slow down. I forgot who I was as an individual. I’ve reached a balance now, where I can actually breathe. Starting my own business and moving permanently to Wellington, Florida, have greatly contributed to that. It’s allowed me to step back and look at the whole picture: what I want in my life and career.
Best-kept secret about what you do?
I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to ride so many horses over the years, throughout my career. What might surprise people is that some of the best animals I’ve ever sat on are ponies. I’ve had the opportunity to ride some of the best ponies in the country over the years, and I value those rides just as much as I do with the horses.
Photos by Shawna Simmons, www.sasequinephotography.com, @sasequinephotography
