OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Passion, discipline, strength, and consistency have defined amateur rider Angela Gais’ journey in the equestrian world.
Gais’ love for riding began at age 10 when her aunt, a trainer, introduced her to the barn. That single experience sparked a lifelong passion for horses. Despite starting later than many riders, her rapid progress can be attributed to her unwavering dedication.
“I went from riding once a week to riding every day,” says Gais, who lived in the Southwest Ranches area.
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Even with her late start, Gais’ meteoric rise in the world of show hunters and show jumpers is a testament to her determination.
“I rode so often, and I got so many opportunities to excel,” Gais said. She began competing on the Wellington circuit before relocating to Ocala at age 14, drawn by the area’s equestrian culture and opportunities.
“Further on, I decided to move up here because there’s horses all around, and there are so many trainers that you can learn from, and there are a lot of nice venues,” she explained.
Learning from the Best
In Ocala, Gais trained with multiple professionals, building on the foundation laid by her aunt in Wellington.
“I learned a little bit from everybody,” says Gais. Initially hesitant about the move as a teenager, she adapted quickly, managing her own mini farm while continuing to grow as a rider.
Unlike many junior riders who aim for medal finals and prestigious championships, Gais focused on achieving personal goals. Her primary objective as a junior was to jump in a 1.25-meter show jumping class, which she accomplished before aging out of the junior category.
“I focus more on training horses up,” says Gais. “I take pride in the thoroughbreds, mostly restarting them. I really just like the process of watching the horses grow because when they reach an accomplishment, that means more to me than qualifying for a huge show.”
A Passion for Thoroughbreds
Gais’ love for thoroughbreds is evident. When she moved to Ocala, she brought one horse with her. Over the summer, she has moved as many as one or more per month, and she hopes to expand her operation once she acquires a larger farm.
Her passion for the breed extends to their future success. Gais would love to see thoroughbreds she’s sold go on to compete in the Retired Racehorse Project.
Currently, Gais shows primarily at HITS and the World Equestrian Center, balancing her role as an adult amateur with aspirations of turning professional.
“Down the road, when I do go pro, I can go onto warmbloods and bigger money,” she says.
Personal Horses and Challenges
Among Gais’ horses is Callisto, her personal horse for the past four years. The pair transitioned from 1.15-meter jumper classes to hunter derbies, where they excelled in the junior hunter division. However, the journey hasn’t been without challenges.
“He would break his jaw and have to overcome recurrent bouts of colic before returning to the show ring,” Gais said. “It’s taken a year of recovery, and the process has been challenging.”
Another horse to watch in Gais’ barn is No Small Miracle, a promising prospect for the future.
Advice for Aspiring Equestrians
Gais emphasizes that passion, discipline, and strength are essential for anyone pursuing a career in the equestrian world.
“To show the young horses in the morning and then show your qualified horses in the bigger classes, go home and train babies—that takes patience, that takes time, and that takes strength,” says Gais. “You really need a team behind you to help. You can’t give up when you’re left alone. You need to take advice from everybody you can.”