Evie Doles isn’t easily intimidated. The Whitfield senior has been showing horses since before she was 10 years old and riding for even longer. This fall, she and her horse Moose won big at the All American Quarter Horse Congress, the largest single-breed horse show in the world with more than 25,000 entries. Her first place wins include the 15-18 High Point Champion, the 15-18 Hunter Under Saddle and the National Youth Association Team Tournament Equitation.
How did you get involved with horses?
My grandpa was the president of the American Quarter Horse Association, and my mom also has ridden and shown horses since she was young. My twin brother and I were born prematurely. When we were two, my mom got us involved in therapeutic horseback riding to help build up our leg muscles. I’ve been hooked ever since.
I started showing horses around age eight.
How did it feel to earn three first places at the All American Quarter Horse Congress?
That was huge. It was extra special because I had won two of those categories last year, so it was great to win them again. Earning the 15-18 High Point Championship was amazing. I didn’t see it coming. I thought that I was out of the running due to some rider error in one of my other classes. To win is a dream I’ve had ever since I was 10 years old.
What’s your favorite part about working with horses?
I really love the bond you make with your horse. We spend so many hours at the barn, at competition or just running through different maneuvers—it’s late nights and early mornings. While I do miss out on some things, I wouldn’t trade it for anything at the end of the day. My horse Moose is my best friend. It’s awesome that people can build a mutual relationship with such big animals.
Do you plan to continue showing horses?
I will keep doing this however long I’m allowed to. Last November, I committed to ride for Southern Methodist University. They are currently ranked No. 1 in the National Collegiate Equestrian Association team rankings. It’s really nice because I’ll also be able to continue working with and showing Moose on my own.
What are you looking forward to during the rest of your senior year?
Honestly, it’s been kind of a big blur. It’s going by so fast. My goal is to have fun, keep my grades up and really savor every moment at Whitfield. I know my whole life is going to change as soon as I graduate, and I’m looking forward to the things that are coming.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I like to bake and spend time with my friends. Over the past year, I’ve gotten into knitting and crocheting. I’m also a huge reader. I love anything to do with books, grammar and English. When I was younger, I used to sneak books into class to read under the table.
I think the thing I was told the most was, “Evie, stop reading.”