New Podcast: Kim Prince joins as our new host

The new US Equestrian Open Podcast is live. Within the jumping episodes, it promises exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes insights, and a deep dive into the journey leading up to the US Equestrian Open Final in Wellington. We are delighted to announce that Kim Prince will host the show.

Kim Prince — an accomplished rider, coach, and commentator — joins the show with a wealth of experience, offering a perspective that few can. From bold career moves to team triumphs and memorable moments in global competition, Kim shares her remarkable journey in the sport, along with her vision for its future.

Following a Dream: Kim Prince’s Unconventional Path to Show Jumping

Kim’s introduction to the sport was anything but ordinary. Growing up in Park City, Utah, she always loved horses, even turning her western horse into a jumper. But it wasn’t until she was 16 that she took a leap of faith, moving to Virginia to fully immerse herself in the world of show jumping.

With no internet or social media back then, she relied on equestrian magazines for inspiration. When she saw Katie Monahan Prudent on the cover of Practical Horseman twice in one year, she decided Katie must be the best. Instead of waiting for an opportunity, Kim flipped to the classifieds, found Katie’s number, and cold-called her. That bold move changed her life.

Katie invited her to try out, and from that moment, Kim never looked back. She trained under Katie and John Madden, progressing from student to assistant trainer, learning the grit, discipline, and commitment required to succeed at the top levels of the sport.

The Reality of Chasing Dreams: Hard Work and High Stakes

Kim’s story underscores the fearlessness of youth — the willingness to take big risks and chase a passion without hesitation. But talent alone isn’t enough. She highlights the relentless work ethic needed to rise in the sport, the importance of finding the right mentors, and the mental and physical demands of high-performance riding.

Her journey serves as a reminder: success in show jumping isn’t instant — it’s built through years of dedication, learning, and perseverance.

Competing for Team USA: A Moment of Triumph

One of Kim’s career-defining moments came when she received her first call-up to the US Nations Cup team. Competing in Drammen, Norway, she and her teammates—including Aaron Vale and Candice King — weren’t sure what to expect. What happened next was unforgettable:

“The very first Nations Cup I did, we won. I just thought it was the most incredible feeling ever. We had a killer team, and we literally won every class.”

Beyond the victories, it was an eye-opening experience—learning from European riders, adapting to different styles, and understanding the depth of the sport’s culture outside the US.

La Baule, France: A Crowd Like No Other

“No, just the French riders and you.”

Every rider has a defining competition, and for Kim, one of those moments came in La Baule, France. After delivering a double-clear in the Nations Cup, she entered the Grand Prix jump-off to a thunderous standing ovation. The crowd clapped, stamped their feet, and erupted in cheers—a moment of pure sporting magic.

At first, she thought they were cheering for all the riders. Later, her mother told her: “No, just the French riders and you.”

Her horse, Jus de Pomme, had a French name, and the crowd embraced her as their own. It was a moment that stuck with Kim forever, highlighting the deep appreciation European crowds have for the horses — a level of engagement she believes US fans can adopt to bring even more energy to the sport.

Wellington: The Epicenter of US Show Jumping

While show jumping in the US was once spread across multiple Florida cities, Wellington has become the undisputed hub. With riders from Europe, South America, and Canada joining the American circuit, the level of competition has never been higher.

Kim sees this as an advantage:

"You want to compete against the people you're going to compete against at the biggest championships. If you only ride against the same group, you’re not being pushed. Wellington gives US riders that constant challenge, and it’s only getting bigger.”

Now, with the WEF 12 Championship Final becoming a major highlight of the season, Wellington is evolving into a true US jumping championship venue — one every rider wants to win before they retire.

Why Storytelling Matters in Show Jumping

One of the key takeaways from the podcast is the need for better storytelling in equestrian sports. Kim and Diarmuid discuss how major sports like the NFL, NBA, and Formula 1 build deep connections with their audiences through stories — whether it’s rivalries, underdog victories, or legendary performances.

In contrast, show jumping has all the talent, drama, and excitement, but not enough media coverage to tell those stories.

“Parents take their kids to lessons, but they don’t always understand where it leads. If we can make the sport more accessible — through interviews, behind-the-scenes insights, and consistent coverage — we can build a stronger, more engaged fan base.”

The US Equestrian Open Podcast is here to change that. By following riders, horses, and competitions throughout the season, it aims to bridge the gap between the sport’s elite and its growing audience.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next on the Podcast?

Over the next few months, the US Equestrian Open Podcast will feature:

• Interviews with top U.S. and international riders
• Previews and reviews of major competitions
• Behind-the-scenes insights into training and strategy
• The road to the WEF 12 Championship Final

For fans, riders, and newcomers alike, this podcast is set to become a must-listen as it brings show jumping’s biggest moments to life

Tune in & Join the Journey

Catch the US Equestrian Open Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow along as we count down to one of the most exciting events in US show jumping!

About the Series:

Born from a commitment by the US Equestrian Board in July 2023, the US Equestrian Open aims to grow the sport's awareness, exposure, and fan engagement. With $1 million in prize money and extensive media coverage on ESPN and the USEF Network, this series is designed to:

• Provide a structured, prestigious championship format.
• Attract a broader audience.
• Enhance competition opportunities for athletes.

Stay Connected

Stay connected with the latest news and standings on Facebook and Instagram, and follow US Equestrian on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (Twitter). Use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.

For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at USEquestrianOpen@usef.org.

For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at cweilminster@usef.org. 

For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at lgriffin@usef.org.