In The Ring with Baylee Rowan

Meet Baylee Rowan, a multi-faceted rider who’s as talented as she is hardworking. Her recent, and most outstanding accomplishments include finishing reserve champion in the WEF Equitation Championship, winning both the ASPCA Maclay and the Hannah M. Serfass Award at Devon, receiving champion at last year's Junior Hunter Finals as well as last year's Zone 1 Maclay Regionals. Baylee is one to watch; a member of North Run’s team as a working student, Baylee has the skill, determination, and grit it takes to make it. Without further introduction, let’s get to know more about this rising star.

When did you first become a working student for North Run and what has your experience been like?

I first joined the North Run team in February of 2024. My experience has been nothing short of incredible! From the training, to the horses, to the people, I’m so lucky to be learning more about horsemanship and growing as a rider. I've learned so much in just a year and I'm so grateful to be a part of such an amazing team

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

I think every horse I've gotten the privilege to ride has been influential, but one that sticks out to me most is RL Monte Marano, Mickel in the barn. Mickel was first my sister’s horse before being passed down to me, which made our partnership extra special. At 12 years old he was my first “big eq” horse; while he was quirky at times, he was perfect to me and we hit it off from the very beginning. When our time together was cut short, I vividly remember unbraiding him in the evening, reality setting in that he would be leaving the barn the following day. Mickel taught me so much and I’m so incredibly grateful for the time we spent together and the lessons he taught me.  He is now loving his life, consistently winning, and having fun with his new rider, which makes me so proud. He’s definitely the type of horse I that I will always look for in other horses. 

You’ve had the chance to catch ride and work with some exceptional horses, but catch riding isn’t always easy. What’s something you do that helps you adjust to horses and stay confident on a new ride?

Alongside growing up catch riding and riding unfamiliar horses, I also grew up competing on an IEA team which taught me a lot; when you’re only given two warm-up jumps to get to know a horse before competing, you figure out ways to quickly become familiar in order to stay competitive for yourself and your team. One simple, but important thing I do to help familiarize quickly is let the horse do its thing; you can learn a lot about a horse by just seeing what it does or wants to naturally do. Of course, as you begin coursing and jumping it’s our job, as riders to take charge, but, when I first get on and start flatting I try to understand the horse before asking too much. Most importantly, I always listen to the trainers and owners of the horse. If you ask questions and listen to advice you’ll already have an advantage from the people that know the horse best.

Is there any piece of advice you’d give to someone who’s trying to find success as a working student?

Bring your all every time! Take advantage of every extra ride, you never know what something could lead to! From schooling a naughty pony to riding one of the barn’s favorite horses, it all matters! Try to help out as much as you can too, even if it’s the little things that just lessen someone's to-do list. Lastly, don’t be afraid if something, like getting to know a horse, is taking more time than you thought, we've all been there! Just trust the process, be patient, and trust your trainers. When it all comes together, the wait and hard work is worth it!

While you’re always a top competitor, one of your bigger accomplishments was your second place finish at the WEF Equitation Championship. Can you talk about the horse that you competed with, how you managed pressure and stayed focused without a trainer, and your reflection on the class?

The horse I competed with was Quantum, a 6 year old gelding owned by Missy Clark! He is for sure one of the smartest horses I have ever gotten the opportunity to show and he’s got a very bright future ahead of him. While I did feel some pressure going into the class, I wasn’t necessarily nervous. What really helped me in this class was the support of my team. Without a trainer, I was really lucky and grateful to create a plan and talk through ideas with some of my barn mates and friends who had also qualified and were competing in the championship. After my first round, I was beyond proud of Quantum for his bravery and confidence in what I was asking him. When we made the second round and I began to think about my plan, I wasn’t sure how he would react, cantering straight to the first fence, but when we walked through the in-gate he immediately understood the plan and laid down another extremely confident round. We tested first, and with Quantum being so young, I once again just wanted to give him more positive experiences. After a strong test, I was beyond proud of Quantum, moving up two spots to finish second. Meeting up with my trainers in the middle of the ring was a really cool moment; I knew those rides were something I should be proud of, and Quantum truly exceeded all of our expectations!

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

A short term goal of mine would be to finish top 3 in a big eq final this year, and a long term goal of mine would be to consistently show in 4*s and 5* classes all over the world and someday represent the USA on a Nations Cup team.

Is there anything unique that you work on or focus on at home that helps set you apart in the show ring?

Lots of flatwork! Consistent flat lessons and flatting on my own makes maneuvering around a technical equitation or jumper course much easier!

Lastly, how has becoming a working student impacted you as an equestrian and as a person?

Being a working student has taught me to always be grateful for every opportunity, big or small. It definitely reminds me that everything I get to do is a privilege and helps me stay humble. Also, having horsemanship knowledge and knowing the horses, what they need after working, if they aren’t feeling well, how to prep them, or anything tack wise, makes me feel prepared for the future! I continue to learn everyday and I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to learn from such an amazing and successful barn.

🔥Rapid Fire🔥

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

Too many ripped hairnets, Summer Fridays Vanilla Lip Balm, and an Effax Boot Shine

🔥Favorite thing to do outside of riding?

I love to hang out with my friends and family! I also love going to the beach!

🔥Sweet or Savory?

Sweet!

🔥One show that is on your dream horse show list?

LGCT Miami!

🔥Biggest pet peeve in riding?

When my hairnet feels loose and I can see my ear through my hair..

Thank you so much, Baylee, for sharing such thoughtful and insightful answers with us! Anyone else you'd like to see "In the Ring"? Let us know!