In the Ring with Taylor Cawley

Meet Taylor Cawley, a name that you've probably heard as she is no stranger to the winner's circle. From ponies to horses, throughout the years Taylor has found success at many venues and in many different rings. Her recent accolades include topping the first round of the Dover Medal Finals in 2023, bronze individual medal in the 2023 Prix de States, awarded the William Cooney perpetual trophy this spring at Devon, winner of this years WEF Equitation Challenge, as well as finishing second in the recent Gladstone Cup. No matter the discipline, Taylor shines with her accuracy, consistency and textbook equitation style. She will surely be one to look out for this finals season, and before that begins, let's get to know Taylor a little bit better.

What does a typical day in your life look like?

A typical day in my life at home starts around 8 or 9 am by heading to the barn to start riding. I usually ride upwards of 4-5 horses each day. Then, once I'm done riding, I take my horses out to graze for about 30-45 minutes each. I really enjoy spending this time with them when we're home from traveling and we aren't super busy. After that I stick around the barn for a while helping out with stable chores and cleaning my tack before heading back home around 3pm.

What goes into preparing your horses and yourself for a busy and competitive finals season this fall?

What I really try to focus on when thinking about the upcoming finals season with my horses is maintaining their fitness without over doing it as they do have some busy months ahead. For me, I really like to practice the basics and fundamentals during the short break before finals while also keeping in mind the questions that will be asked in the upcoming events.

Who has been the most influential person in your career thus far?

I would say the most influential person in my career thus far would be my mom, Molly Ashe. She is not only the hardest working person that I know, but she's also extremely dedicated to teaching me and setting me up for future success. In my opinion, in this unique sport, having someone you can relate to, someone who can understand you, and someone who can help guide you is crucial.

Throughout your career, you've always been extremely competitive in all 3 rings. Do you have a favorite, and how do you ride differently for hunters, jumpers, and equitation?

I would say my favorite out of the hunters, jumpers and equitation is the jumpers. I love to go fast and love the adrenaline rush you get when you go in the ring. I would say when riding in each ring or switching between rings, keep thinking of the basics (good rhythm, stay straight, good connection etc.) and execute the plan or task at hand.

What is the best advice you would give someone trying to move up the ranks in the equitation?

I would tell someone who was looking to move up in the equitation to focus on the basics and the plan, and to keep a clear mind. I would also say when small mistake happens in your equitation rounds, don’t let them determine the rest of your course.

You've already had quite a bit of success this year and are surely a top contender at all the equitation finals coming up. How do you handle your nerves/expectations, and how do you continue to perform at your best with added pressure in situations like finals/tests?

Ever since riding in the ponies I have been exposed to high pressure situations, so going into this years finals I try not to think about the pressure, my expectations, or even that it’s a final or test that I'm walking into. I try to break each round into parts and execute them one jump or sequence at a time.

What are some short term, and long term, goals of yours?

Some short term goals of mine are to have a solid finals season, both at the equitation and the jumper venues. Some long term goals of mine are to get on a Nations Cup team for USA, and eventually compete at World Cup finals and the Olympics.

Tell us a little bit about what it's like riding and working with Oki D'Eclipse?

Oki D’Eclipes (Oki) is the character of the barn. He is goofy, funny and a little A.D.D., but it has been super rewarding working with him and watching him grow. He has a contagious energy about him and is always ready for a new adventure or challenge. Everyone that works with him (Abby Jorgensen, Stacia Madden, Benji Morales, myself etc.) loves him unconditionally.

What has been your favorite/most special win/accomplishment so far in this sport?

I would say my most special win would be the WEF Equitation Challenge this winter. This win stands out because in this championship, unlike others, you have to walk the course, warm up, and show in all 3 rounds on your own, so being able to win this type of class means a lot. After the final round, before they announced the top 4 placings, my whole team came into the ring to stand with me and await the results. Being with my barn team, after they had unusually watched from the sidelines, when they announced my win was a really special moment that.

Who has been the most influential horse in your riding career?

The most influential horse that I have had the chance to work with in my career so far is Quax. While Quax was a true veteran and seasoned equitation horse, he was my first equitation mount. He taught me so so much and I owe the majority of what I know and love about the eq to him.

Rapid Fire 🔥

3 things you can always find with you at horse shows....

🔥My phone, sticky spray, and a baseball hat

Favorite thing to do outside of riding?

🔥Pickleball and shopping

Sweet or Savory?

🔥Sweet

One show that is on your dream horse show list?

🔥CHI Geneva

Biggest pet peeve in riding?

🔥Not spending quality time with your horses!

Thank you so much Taylor for letting us pick your brain for todays post, we cannot wait to see all that the fall brings for you. Anyone else you would like to see "In the Ring"? Let us know!!