Each month, we highlight members of our equestrian community who are making an impact both in and out of the ring. This month, we're excited to feature Olivia Welsh — a dedicated rider, thoughtful horsewoman, and current captain of the College of Charleston NCEA team. From early days in the pony ring to competing at the collegiate level, Olivia has stayed deeply involved in the sport.

What makes Olivia’s story even more special is that both Michael and Christopher Lenard first met her during her pony days in Chicago, when she was showing at Lamplight Equestrian Center and Ledges Sporting Horses. It’s a full-circle moment — she met us when we were in college, and now she’s leading her own college team and continuing to grow in the sport.

1. How did your riding journey begin?

I've always been animal-obsessed. I was the one who convinced my parents to get our first dog when I was five. I started riding a horse named Hank at a fair when I was around four, and I was convinced he was my horse — I even named my rocking horse after him! I officially started lessons when I was seven.

I started with Heather and Erin Hirsch at Deerwood Farm in Chicago, and I still have roots there. I’ve also been riding with Lynn Jayne at Our Day Farm for the past year, and I ride with Eliza Hay while I am in Charleston and at Natasha's farm for the College of Charleston. I'm lucky to have so many great mentors!

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2. You're riding for the College of Charleston as the captain. Tell us, what has that experience been like for you?

It's been incredible. I started in IHSA as a flat rider during my freshman and sophomore years because we didn’t have the NCEA team yet. After working with Lynn that summer and expressing how much I wanted to be more involved, she reached out to Coach Natasha on my behalf. I was offered a captain position going into my junior year and started riding open.

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3. What was it like attending NCEA Nationals?

It was magical. I had never been to WEC before and everyone was right — it's like Disney World for horses. The camaraderie was amazing. It felt like a college football game with all the cheering and support. Even though I wasn't a starter, I was there as a captain and warm-up rider and loved every minute, 4 a.m. barn crew call included.

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4. How has your experience been using Horse Spot?

I first used Horse Spot at a Palatine schooling show as a groom, and later during IHSA Nationals to track results for friends. It’s improved a lot since then. I’d love to see more collegiate features, like the ability to search by school or see full rosters — that would be super helpful. I'd love to see a school's entire roster and competition history, or real-time scoring tailored to NCEA formats.

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5. As a seasoned rider, what advice would you give young riders? 

The best advice I’ve gotten is that no one’s really watching you. If you make a mistake, it’s okay — you have more rounds ahead.

Compete against yourself, not others.

Always strive to be better than the rider you were yesterday.

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6. Who inspires you in the equestrian world?

I’ve always loved Kent Farrington. He emphasizes fitness outside of the saddle, which I think is really important. And my childhood trainers, Heather and Erin, taught me so much about horse care and reading subtle cues from animals. I owe them a lot.

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7. What riding achievement are you most proud of?

Winning the Regional Cacchione Cup this past year was a huge moment. I moved up to the open division and felt like all my hard work finally paid off. Having my family there made it even more special.
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8. What do you do best in the saddle — and what are you working on?

I think my strength is my work ethic. I’ve never been a naturally gifted rider; I’ve always had to work hard for my progress. I started as a working student at 12 and still do everything myself. As for what I’m working on — definitely not comparing myself to others. Social media makes it tough, but I try to stay focused on my own path.

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9. What are you most excited about right now?

My new lease horse! Her show name is Froukittaire, but we call her "Kitty Kit." She’s an experienced jumper and has helped me feel confident over bigger jumps. I’m so excited to show her in Traverse City this summer.

I’m also excited to be between Chicago and Michigan this Summer. I’m heading to Kentucky with Deerwood to support my sister at a show. It’s really special to share this passion with family — my aunt, sister, and cousins are all involved at Deerwood, too.

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10. Who’s your all-time favorite horse?

A thoroughbred named Alley Cat. I’ve been riding her since I was 12, and while I don’t own her (yet), she’s my best friend and has even come to school with me twice.

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11. Tell us about your life outside the show ring — any other animals?

Yes! I’m definitely the animal person in my family. We have three Shetland ponies at home, a rabbit I rescued from our vegetable garden (he's fully wild and now domesticated), three cats, a dog — and we used to have even more when all the kids were home. My mom always jokes about who’s taking care of everything while we’re at school.

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Thank you, Olivia, for sharing your story with us! We can't wait to see what's next for you and Kitty Kit this season. Make sure to follow along on Horse Spot for updates from the collegiate circuit and beyond.

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Additional Picture Credits belong to the College of Charleston a NCEA Nationals 2025 hosted at World Equestrian Center in Ocala, FL.