Generations Of Horsemen

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198 – November/December, 2025

By Kristen Spinning

The bonds between trainer and client can run deep. The barn family and home family often intertwine, and the friendships forged through shared experiences can last a lifetime. It is no wonder that when the right fit happens, generations of clients stick with the same trainer, even after years  away from the show pen. Whether the journey starts with a youth and leads to the parent, or the child goes from Leadline to the awards presentation in the center of the arena, these exhibitors share a common sentiment; their generational ties are like being a family–and working with the same trainer feels like coming home.

Becky George Show Horses: Jana Whitley, Nicole Whitley Eby, and Charlee Eby

Three generations of Whitleys ride with Becky George in Texas. Select rider, Jana, grew up as a horse crazy kid, even though no one else in her family had any interest. She got her first taste of competition in open shows with an English type of Appaloosa when she was 20. Jana recalls fondly, “In fact, that’s how I met Gordon (Downey). I was going around to shows in Florida and would see him all the time.”

It was apparent at an early age that her daughter, Nicole Eby inherited the horse gene. “I loved showing right away,” admits Nicole while reflecting on being packed along to horse shows as a kid. “I was always competitive, always wanting to learn more, do more.” She started off riding her mom’s horses, adding, “We had an Appy mare, and we were doing open shows. Then we got our first trainer, David Lawrence, and did Palominos for about 10 years.”

Jana and Nicole have been riding with Becky George for the past nine years. After years of knowing each other, fun and socialization extends beyond the barn at times. From spending days together on a boat to going out to dinner, their lives mingle in a comfortable way like old friends.

Click here to read the complete article
198 – November/December, 2025