OCALA, FL (352today.com) -Professional hunter/jumper rider Dorrie Douglas has spent much of her life immersed in horses, waking up daily and heading straight to the barn.
Douglas, originally from West Bridgewater, MA, grew up in a family deeply rooted in the equestrian world. Her mother, Karen Douglas, ran a small business outside of Boston, ensuring horses were always part of life.
“My sister and I were both raised around them (horses),” said Douglas. “It was just kind of something that was integrated into our lives. We really didn’t know that kids didn’t grow up having ponies and learning how to do all the things. It was kind of part of life right from the beginning.”
Her parents encouraged exploring other activities, but her passion for horses always won out.
“They pushed my sister (Bridgit) and I enough in the sense that you could either go to the school dance or you could wake up the next day and go horse show for the weekend. My sister and I always chose the horses,” said Douglas.
This early discipline taught her responsibility and accountability.
“I’m a big proponent of you have to show up,” said Douglas. “I don’t care if you’re sick, I don’t care if you don’t feel good, the horses have to eat, and you have to show up.”
Collegiate Success
Douglas’ foundation in discipline led her to St. Lawrence University, where she balanced academics and athletics.
“I think riding for Mary Drueding and Cate Wagner up in school; the more you have to do, the better the plan and the better organized you are,” said Douglas. “I majored in economics and communications, I was also in a sorority and the riding team. So, I feel like I had a pretty busy schedule but still found time to get into a little bit of trouble.”
Seeing the World
After college, Douglas took a break from horses, traveling abroad and teaching English in South Korea. The experience honed her adaptability and problem-solving skills.
“Definitely traveling abroad, learning a language, it’s kind of taught me to figure things out,” said Douglas.
Living in Korea for over two years, she picked up enough of the language to navigate daily life.
“It is funny how all of those experiences do shape you,” said Douglas.
A Fateful Opportunity
Her adaptability and drive led her back to horses when she took a chance on an ad for a groom position in Ocala over 13 years ago. She worked one season at HITS Post Time Farm, then moved with MTM Farms to Texas before returning to Ocala full-time.
“I worked one circuit for them (MTM Farms) here and then went back with them to Flower Mound (Texas),” said Douglas.
Her hands-on approach and independence impressed her employers.
“Even when I started working for Mike (McCormick) and Tracy (Fenney), they knew that I just literally got back from India, and I was out of the horse business for a while,” said Douglas. “When it comes to stuff like that, I’ll figure it out.”
Rising Through the Ranks
Douglas’ skills and work ethic propelled her to upper-level competition. Joining MTM Farm, known for its commitment to excellence, only strengthened her technique.
“I originally came down to braid, groom, do a little bit of riding, and they were like, maybe this girl can ride a little bit.”
Her success was rooted in solid fundamentals.
“I think with Mike and Tracy one of the foundations of their whole business is the technique, you kind of have to have one speed, you have to meet the jump a certain way, you have to have certain form upon takeoff over the jump and on landing,” said Douglas. “You’re riding good horses, they’re trained by Mike, and if you keep your technique the same, you’re going to win.”
Fulfilling a Dream
Early success with horses led to even bigger opportunities, including top mounts like the Dutch Warmblood gelding S&L Cobbler and the Belgian Warmblood S&L Elite.
“Looking back on things, horses do come into your life, at a certain time, the right place, the right time,” said Douglas. “It’s amazing that he’s (Sam Edelman) helped me so much with my career.”
As she became a fixture in top hunter and jumper competitions, expectations grew.
“I started doing Wellington in the derbies and some of the pre-green classes, that definitely put me on the map,” said Douglas. “But I do sometimes a little bit miss those days, where there’s no expectations and no pressure.”
A Home in Ocala
Douglas appreciates the convenience of being based in Ocala, home to both the World Equestrian Center and HITS, allowing her to balance competition and home life.
“Both horse shows have changed our lives. We can sleep in our own bed, we have how many weeks we want to horse show,” said Douglas. “We’re not nomads, running around, driving up in one day and setting up. It’s unbelievable.”
Douglas has made a name for herself in the equestrian world, but the journey is far from over. With a strong foundation, determination, and the right horses, the best may be yet to come.