Kaitlyn Fairhurst, a 21-year-old showing rider, recently won her second Royal Windsor title and her first Royal International Horse Show championship. She rode her own Welsh section D Thorneyside Royal Command, also known as Rocky, to victory in the M&M intermediate young riders’ class and the section championship at the RIHS. Kaitlyn began riding Rocky for his former owners before her parents bought him as a surprise Christmas present when she was 18.
In addition to her success with Rocky, Kaitlyn also achieved glory at Royal Windsor aboard SD Red Gambler, a traditional stallion she rode while the owner was pregnant. Kaitlyn runs a 12-strong team of animals from her home in Tottington, Bury, and has been involved in competitive riding since she was 17. She has qualified for Horse of the Year Show multiple times and has focused on colored ponies, aiming for the RIHS and Equifest.
Looking ahead to the future, Kaitlyn is excited about the upcoming season and is particularly looking forward to riding Sylvia Bruce’s non-native pony Hollyland Go For Gold. Her biggest dream is to win HOYS, and she advises young riders to keep going, focus on their goals, and not give up. Kaitlyn has had success with various horses and ponies, including Shybont Rise to Fame and About Time Curtis, and is dedicated to her equestrian career.
