On the surface, thirteen-year-old Grace Klein seems like your typical teenage girl. She loves her three dogs, she has a close knit group of friends she calls her ‘besties,’ and she likes to play basketball and volleyball in her spare time. But this talented young woman is reaching heights at a young age that many do not see until much later in life.
Not only did Grace just make her FEI event debut at the LGCT Miami, she left with some top placings in hand and a new throng of fans who couldn’t help but notice her abilities and quick entry to the sport. After nine months of intensive training in a new program, this young woman is making a name for herself in the equestrian industry and doesn’t have plans of slowing down any time soon.
From Saddlebreds to Hunters to Jumpers
Grace began her journey in the saddle at the young age of four after seeing a sign down the road from her family’s home advertising lessons. The trainer, Toni Knight-Utoft, was hesitant to take such a young rider on but after one initial ride it was clear to Toni and Grace’s parents that she could handle the challenge.
There, Grace learned to ride Saddlebreds and participated in her first show (Fields and Fences in Gurnee, Illinois) at the age of five. Her fate was sealed after winning her first few ribbons, she knew that she wanted to pursue further success in the equestrian world.
Grace and Nabuco at WIHS. PC: Emily Finger Fingerprints Photography
With the support of her parents, Grace transitioned to Dunham Woods Farm (now known as Wayne Equestrian Center) in Wayne, Illinois where she trained with Cheryl Kindl and Kelly Fencl. While at Dunham Woods, barn owner Michele Muenzemay helped Grace acquire her first pony, Whisper, for her tenth birthday. “Without Whisper, I probably wouldn’t be the rider I am today with the passion for the sport,” Grace said.
Less than a year ago, Grace made the switch to train with Lance Williamson at Lance Williamson Stables in Gurnee, Illinois. With that change of barns came a change of pace in Grace’s training schedule in order to pursue her goals. She started competing in the puddle jumpers and has since acquired more than 80 Event Championships and 36 Champion and Reserve Champion placings since June 2016.
Her two horses have been a huge part of building her confidence in the ring: Nabuco, a 14-year-old gelding, has what Grace calls a ‘rock star’ personality, while Piper, a 12-year-old chestnut mare, is the token sweetheart of the barn. “They have been together a long time,” Grace said of her pair of horses. “We make a great trio and team!”
With big dreams in mind, Grace has worked hard during this past year with a fierce dedication beyond her thirteen years. She has spent a massive amount of her time at the barn, riding four to five horses a day. They traveled to local shows at Ledges Sporting Horses and Lamplight Equestrian Facility, as well as hauling out to Minneapolis, Memphis, and Lexington.
In October of last year, Grace was invited to compete in the Washington International Horse Show only twelve weeks after her transition to the Jumper ring. “That show gave me valuable experience about riding in challenging venues against a new caliber of riders,” she said as she reflected on the many opportunities she has had.
This past winter, her horses shipped out to Florida for the Winter Circuit at HITS Ocala. While at home, she focused on strengthening her flat work with Frank Hernandez, Lance’s trainer at their home base in Illinois. To keep fresh on Nabuco and Piper, Grace and her parents shuttled between Illinois and Florida almost every weekend from December to March.
“It was a first time for me and a great Winter Circuit with them. So, we are on a roll and hope to progress to the next level together!” While in Florida, Grace and her pair of talented horses brought home Mid-Circuit Medium Children’s Jumper Champion, Mid-Circuit High Children’s Jumper Champion, and full Circuit High Children’s Champion.
Taking a Shot at the LGCT Miami
To prepare for LGCT Miami — easily one of the most spectated, atmospheric, and unique venues in North America — Grace and her horses traveled down the week before to visit and adjust to their new surroundings. Thankfully, says Grace, both of her mounts are pretty level-headed and know what to do when it comes to their jobs.
Grace upon her arrival at LGCT Miami. PC: Leanne Klein
Day One of the LGCT was a new experience for Grace, and she admits she was a bit terrified at first. “I didn’t know what to expect and everywhere I turned things were all so different and intimidating,” she told JN. “Lance and my parents kept telling me that ‘it was just another horse show.’ Easy for them to say!”
After a fairly decent night’s sleep the night before, she woke up with game face on. With Lance there to guide her, she said it all fell into place. She made mention that she always says her prayers before entering the ring, but that morning in Miami she said a few extra to help get her through the day.
By the last day of the show, she had found her rhythm; She exuded confidence, balance in the saddle, and softness in her hands during her rounds; riding that was rewarded with a third place finish with Nabuco (just 7/10 of a second short for the win) in the 1.15m class on Saturday.
One Rider = One Big Dream Team
Grace demonstrates perspective and gratitude far beyond most 13-year-olds and is keenly aware that a village of devoted teammates have constituted her success, starting with her parents. “My biggest supporters are my mom and dad,” said Grace. “They are with me every step of the way. They are with me when I train, when I compete and have never missed a show or competition.”
She is also thankful for her friends from St. Charles who have been by her side since pre-school are always cheering her on, as well her barn family who are always showing their immense support for her. And of course, last but definitely not least, Grace is thankful for her trainer Lance. “He is a great horseman. He is tough, funny, inspiring and I couldn’t have accomplished what I have without him.”
Grace and Piper. PC: Andrew Ryback Photography
With her eyes on the prize, Grace plans to move forward towards a future in the Grand Prix ring and hopes to attend college on an equestrian scholarship. For now, however, she is going to enjoy her time showing in the Children’s with her two wonderful mounts who have helped her grow so quickly over the past year. Grace Klein is a well-rounded young woman who will no doubt be a contributor to this sport to keep your eye on while she grows.