Rewarding Up-and-Coming Young Professionals in the Horse Industry
Tayler receiving the Wofford Cup from Dave Miller and Scott Jones
By: Brittany Bevis
As a youth, Tayler Adams showed ponies on the USEF circuit as well as AQHA Hunters. After turning pro at the age of 18, she jumped headfirst into the highly competitive world of training and competing on the AQHA Hunter/Jumper circuit.
Like many young professionals in the industry today, she knows her innate riding ability and talent aboard a horse will only take her so far. That’s why she’s choosing to complement her equestrian skills with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology.
“I think it’s important for young professionals to to have a degree because of the uncertainty that is the horse industry,” Tayler says. “Personally, my degree is my back-up plan. If I were to get injured, and could no longer ride, then I have some skill that I can utilize to still be able to support myself.”
As one of the younger trainers on the circuit, aged 21, Tayler hasn’t yet reached the pinnacle of her career, winning a Congress or World Champion title in an over fence class. That open spot on her resume is exactly what made her eligible for the Wofford Emerging Professional Cup, a special award that’s presented annually during the Huntfield Derby Finals at the Fox Lea Farm Winter Circuit.
For the past three years, industry veterans, Dave Miller and Scott Jones, have sponsored the Wofford Emerging Professional Cup, which is presented to the highest placing professional rider in the High Low division that’s not a Congress or World Champion in an over fence class. Miller explains that special commendations such as this are needed to build the confidence of young trainers and encourage them to pursue excellence in the sport, ultimately advancing it as a whole.
“This cup was designed to encourage professionals that are still climbing the ladder in our industry by recognizing them for their achievements as well as motivating them to continue to participate,” Dave says. “We sponsor the award in memory of my mentor and trainer, Jimmy Wofford, from Spartanburg, SC. Jimmy always believed that up and coming professionals were the key to continuing the horse business and those individuals needed motivation to want to see this industry grow and expand.”
During the Huntfield Derby Finals in January, Tayler rode Little Mr Bigshot to a third place finish in the $2,500 Huntfield Low Open Derby winning $375. Ironically, she placed third behind two industry veterans, Linda Crothers in second with Truly Authentic and Dave Miller with WhatMadeUSayThat in first. It seemed only fitting that Dave would join Tayler in the winner’s circle, along with Scott Jones, to present the Wofford Cup.
“The horse I rode in the Huntfield Derby Finals to win the Wofford Cup is Little Mr Bigshot. He’s owned by my mom, Robyn Adams, and does the Select Over Fence classes with her. We’ve had him for almost three years now. He’s a bit of a rescue case and had some issues under saddle that took time to work out. Now, he’s such a fun, honest horse with tons of personality. He really is a joy to show.”
Currently, Tayler has three horses in her training program, in addition to being a full-time college student. She’s based out of Senoia, GA. “I currently have a few young horses that will be making their debuts into showing this year, so I hope they will go out and do their best to reflect well on my training program. Of course, as a competitor, I’m hoping to finally add a World or Congress Champion title to my name.”
Throughout her journey thus far as a young professional in the industry, Tayler has received kind praise and support from industry veterans such as Alfred Hewitt, Dave Miller, Sandy Vaughn, Linda Crothers, and Lainie DeBoer. “The other professionals have been very kind and encouraging. Many have offered compliments after good rounds and other have offered advice, all of which is appreciated more than they know because it’s hard to be a new name on a list of those that are so well known.”
