When shelter-in-place orders were announced surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, the True North Stables team made the decision to extend its time in Wellington, FL, for the health and safety of its riders and horses. Now, as restrictions are beginning to ease, the True North team, led by trainer Caitlyn Shiels, has returned home to Illinois, and Shiels is eager to get back in the show ring.
Caitlyn Shiels on Cassius. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.
“Staying in Florida [after the Winter Equestrian Festival] was not initially our plan, but it ended up working out well, given the circumstances,” explained Shiels. “Our horses were able to relax after a great winter season, and we were able to get to know a few new sales horses. Now, they’re all fresh and ready to get back in the ring, and we’re really excited to be back up north in Illinois!”
True North Stables will kick off its summer show season at the HITS Chicago Showplace Spring Spectacular III, to be held June 17-21, at the Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, IL. While there, True North will have several young horses available for trial; more information on the horses currently available can be obtained by emailing Shiels.
Thanks in part to the addition of assistant trainer Cody Wooten, who officially joined the True North team in March, True North Stables is also now accepting new clients. Based outside of Chicago for the summer show season, True North Stables welcomes riders of all skill levels looking to achieve their goals, excel in the sport, and compete throughout the Midwest this summer. Following the Showplace Spring Spectacular III, True North’s summer show schedule will also include two weeks at the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival in Traverse City, MI.
About True North Stables
True North Stables is a full-service hunter/jumper training program, dedicated to horsemanship and to providing top-class riding, training, and sales services to both horse and rider. Led by Caitlyn Shiels and assistant trainer Cody Wooten, with bases in Illinois and Florida, True North Stables offers highly individualized instruction, horse acquisition and sales assistance, and the opportunity to excel in the sport and in nationwide competition. To learn more, click here.
True North photo: Cody Wooten (left) and Caitlyn Shiels (right). Photo by Jump Media.