Fame came early to Reed Kessler. In 2012, at the age of 18, she became the youngest show jumper ever to compete in an Olympic Games as part of the US team in London with her sensational partner Cylana. A prodigious talent, the horse-mad teen was groomed for success by the indomitable Katie Prudent before moving to Germany for her secondary education with Marcus Ehning. At just 21, the New York native set up her own business on a 26-acre farm in central Holland.
In the fall of 2016, Reed sold Cylana to American amateur Cloe Hymowitz (although the mare will return to her on retirement) and retired her long-time partner Ligist. She used 2017 to build up a new string of horses while her remarkably mature commitment and positive influence on the equestrian world was recognized last May when she was presented with the Longines Ladies Award at the Pan American Conference in Washington, DC.
Describe a typical day and work week.
It depends really on what day of the week it is, what time of year, and what we are building towards. I show most weeks of the year, so Monday to Wednesday I’m home riding and then the weekends I’m away at shows. It can be a lot to fit into those three precious days at home. I typically ride five to six horses a day. I don’t like to do more than that or else I start to rush a bit in my mind. I can really take my time with five or six. When I’m finished up in the stable, I’m at the gym or maybe running errands, then mostly just enjoying being home before hitting the road again.