Heart Horses, Hard Work, and Hunter Rings: Meet Reese

For this edition of The Spotlight Blog by Horse Spot, we caught up with junior rider Reese, who trains at Compass Equestrian in the Chicagoland suburbs, with trainer Merisa Atkinson. Reese has been showing in the hunters now for a few years, and her story is full of resilience, community, and passion for the sport.

1. Tell us about your riding career. Where did you grow up riding and how did you get into it?

I’ve always lived in the suburbs of Chicago. My aunt used to ride about 15–20 years ago, and she really inspired me to start. I was horse-crazy as a kid—always playing with horse toys and watching her riding videos. I didn’t start lessons until I was 10, but I knew horses were always going to be part of my life.

2. What grade are you in? What are your aspirations for college?

I’m a junior in high school right now. I know I want to do something with horses, but I’m not totally sure what yet—or where I’ll end up going for college. I’m still figuring it out, but horses are definitely the thing I’m most certain about.

3. What is your favorite thing about showing at the Summer Schooling Series in Chicago?

Definitely the friendships. I’ve been showing in the series for about four years now, and some of my closest friends have come from those shows. It’s such a fun community—you get to see people you know from social media or ride alongside friends, and that makes showing so much more enjoyable.

4. You’ve been using Horse Spot through the Summer Schooling Series. What did you enjoy about it?

I love how easy it is to access everything! Before, I’d sometimes miss results or struggle to find what I needed. Now I can just pull it up on my phone to check results, see who’s in my classes, or find the schedule. It makes the whole show experience so much simpler.

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

Don’t give up, even when you face setbacks. Riding is full of ups and downs, and there’s always going to be something that challenges you. Instead of focusing on not winning or placing, look at how you’ve improved from your last ride or show.

Progress matters more than ribbons.

6. Who in the horse industry inspires you?

My trainer, Merisa Atkinson. She’s amazing at adjusting her approach for each rider and horse. She’s also been such a support when my horse was injured—she came up with so many different strategies to help, and Falcon came back much faster than expected. She’s taught me so much and inspires me every day.

7. What moment are you most proud of in your riding career?

Last year, I went to the World Equestrian Center (Ohio) for a schooling show. At the start of the year, I was supposed to go with my old pony, but I dislocated my elbow in April, and we ended up selling him. I worked hard to rehab my arm, and then I bought Falcon just 20 days before the show. Taking her there and showing in the 2’ hunters and equitation after all of that was such a big comeback moment for me.

8. What do you do best?

I think my biggest strength is being able to adjust to the kind of horse I have that day. Some days Falcon is really forward and energetic, and other days she’s a little lazy and sucking back. I’m good at recognizing her mood and riding accordingly—adding more leg when needed or balancing her when she’s quick.

9. What have you been excited about recently?

I’m most excited to get Falcon back into work and start preparing for next year. I’ll be moving up to the 2’6” for the first time, which I’m really looking forward to. Winter is the perfect time to put in the work, so I’m excited to focus and get ready for the show season.

10. How do you give back to the equestrian community?

We always cheer each other on at shows, even if we’re competing against each other or riders from other barns. It’s about encouragement and being there for one another. I think that sense of support makes the whole experience so much more fun and rewarding.

At my barn, the biggest thing is supporting each other through both the good and the tough times.

11. Lastly, tell us about your all-time favorite heart horse.

That’s definitely Falcon, my 16-hand Oldenburg mare. Also known as "DE Wild Falcon WF" in the show ring. She’s been with me for a little over a year now, and she’s taught me so much. She’s the kind of horse you can leave for a week and come back to, and she’s just as calm and sweet. She’s fun to ride, super adjustable, and always takes care of me. She’s absolutely my heart horse.

Reese’s journey reminds us that riding is about more than ribbons—it’s about resilience, growth, and the support of a close-knit community. With Falcon by her side and exciting goals on the horizon, she’s a rider to watch as she continues building her confidence and chasing new milestones.