OCALA, FL (352ocala.com) – From a young age, Lauren Schweppe knew she wanted to dedicate her life to equestrian sport. Becoming a professional hunter-jumper trainer was a dream fueled by her determination and passion, despite her family not being involved in the equestrian world.
“I just knew from when I was a tiny kid that this was what I wanted to do,” said Schweppe.
Schweppe’s early experience with ranch and trail horses ignited her desire to jump. Her mother arranged lessons, but the start wasn’t as seamless as Schweppe had hoped.
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“I was pretty horrible; my name was Crash in the Valley,” she said with a laugh.
Over time, things improved as Schweppe moved to another barn in Colorado, where she worked with skilled trainers. At age 14, she visited Ocala for the first time, competing with her junior hunter and a thoroughbred in jumper classes at the Horse Shows in the Sun (HITS).
Early Success and Key Mentors
Traveling along the East Coast, Schweppe found success in equitation, including winning the Flat Equitation Finals at the Capital Challenge Horse Show in Maryland. Remarkably, she didn’t start equitation until she was 15.
“In the three years, Bobby Braswell and Christina Schlusemeyer worked wonders as they turned a cowgirl from Colorado into an unbelievable equitation rider,” said Schweppe.
Her transition from junior competitor to professional trainer presented its own challenges. Braswell and Schlusemeyer continued to play a vital role in her growth, with Schweppe running their barn for more than a decade. Schweppe credits Braswell as one of her greatest mentors, calling him a genius.
Building Her Career in Ocala
After a brief hiatus galloping thoroughbred racehorses for Rudy Delguidice, Schweppe returned to teaching and developed a loyal clientele. For nearly two decades, her Meadowood Farm has been a cornerstone of Ocala’s equestrian community.
“At the time, it was the corporation that owned the horses that I had,” Schweppe explained. “I bought a few investment horses and sold them through the business. Through Bob and Christina, they did very well for me.”
Navigating the transition from managing a barn to owning her own operation, Schweppe also earned her R-rated judge’s card and has been judging for five years.
“I’ve had a lot of great mentors who’ve had the same story as me,” she said.
The transition from managing a barn, to having one’s own operation was something Schweppe was able to navigate successfully. She has also obtained her R rated judge’s card and has been judging for the past five years.
“I’ve had a lot of great mentors who’ve had the same story as me,” said Schweppe.
Balancing Work and Family
Owning a business and working long days comes with sacrifices. Schweppe admits she wishes she could spend more time with her son but credits her supportive husband and nearby mother for helping her maintain balance. She also relies on her strong team, including assistant trainers Hannah Matts and Emily Rodgers.
With the World Equestrian Center just minutes from her home, Schweppe is a regular on both the winter and summer circuits.
“I’m living out my dream,” said Schweppe. “I tell all the kids that tell me they want to do this for a life. I tell them to go to school. I tell them to have a backup plan.”