The Versatile Amateur – Kimber Mitchell

Click here to read the complete article
365 – July/August, 2026

By Sarah Welk Baynum

Amateur owner and rider Kimber Mitchell’s story is one of grit, versatility, and a work ethic that turned opportunity into success. She didn’t build her career in one discipline, on one horse, or in one show season, although she has only been competing at major competitions for a relatively short amount of time.

Growing up in a small Indiana town, Kimber discovered horses through her grandfather’s love of trail riding.

“I really got started riding because of my grandfather, Jim Dellinger,” Kimber says. “He was a die-hard Quarter horseman and introduced me to the Quarter Horse breed. I went on my first trail ride with him when I was around 5 years old in Brown County, Indiana, and that really kicked off my love for riding. From there, I began showing in 4-H when I turned 8 years old.”

Her first show partner was her grandfather’s mare, Miss, a seasoned 20-year-old who gave Kimber the start every young rider imagines. “She was an angel of a horse,” Kimber says. “We did everything together in 4-H—halter, showmanship, pleasure, even barrel racing.”

Click here to read the complete article
365 – July/August, 2026