OCALA, FL (352today.com) – There was never any doubt that Jaime Gibson’s future would include horses and equestrian sport.
Growing up, Gibson dabbled in swimming and gymnastics but always found her passion with horses. Living on a farm provided her the unique opportunity to train regularly by simply stepping into the barn.
“She was riding before she was born,” says Phil Gibson, Jaime’s father.
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Jaime’s mother, Debby, was a thoroughbred racing exercise rider before transitioning to show hunter training. At their Jacksonville farm, before moving back to Marion County, Debby ran a training program where young Jaime, at just two years old, began riding alongside other children.
Jaime participated briefly in 4H after moving to Ocala but focused solely on horse-related activities, even competing at the state level. “My mom helped some kids in that (4H),” Jaime says. “I think it’s a great program for the kids and teaches them a lot of good basic knowledge.”
Success as a junior rider
Jaime had an outstanding junior career, highlighted by her 2000 victory in the Washington International Horse Show Pony Equitation Final and winning the United States Equestrian Federation Pony Medal in 2002. Known for her work ethic, she gained experience training challenging ponies, which shaped her skills as a horsewoman.
“I’m not super tall, so the ponies were my forte,” she explains. “I would fix them, and they would go back and be competitive with their owners. I did the big equitation for a couple of years, which was fun.”
Transitioning to being a professional
As she aged out of junior competition, Jaime prepared for a professional career, earning a business degree while continuing to ride, teach, and show horses. She has since become a well-rounded professional in the sport.
“You have to have something to fall back on,” Jaime says, emphasizing the importance of education. She has worked toward earning her judging credentials and now holds “R” ratings for hunters, equitation, and jumpers.
“HITS has been a big part of the Florida winter circuit for decades,” Jaime says, recalling her time competing in Ocala. “The improvements they’ve made since buying Post Time Farm are incredible.”
Foxflower LLC: A home and mission
Foxflower LLC, the family operation, is based on a 20-acre farm in Marion County. With a 12-stall barn, Jaime focuses on teaching children, juniors, and adults in hunters, jumpers, and equitation. The barn’s name combines family and personal connections, inspired by Phil Gibson’s mother’s maiden name and Jaime’s first pony, Moonlight Flower.
“It’s great that we have HITS right down the road, and we also show at WEC,” says Jaime. She sets individual goals for her students, whether it’s competing in pony finals or larger events like the Marshall & Sterling Finals.
A rewarding career
For Jaime, working with horses is a dream come true.
“I don’t think I could sit behind a computer, I like to be busy doing something,” she says. “For me, the best thing is getting a young horse and producing it into a good horse that someone can ride and be successful on.”
Looking ahead, Jaime aims to have a competitive show jumping horse and hopes to return to higher-level competitions by the end of the winter circuit.
Christal Kuchar, whose daughter trains at Foxflower, praises Jaime’s program. “She’s an exceptional trainer and instructor, giving clear instruction and thorough guidance,” Kuchar states.