Meriel Curtin’s Journey to Reserve Champion at WEC

At just 17 years old, Meriel Curtin is already proving that success in the equestrian world is not just about talent. It takes grit, sacrifice, and a serious work ethic.

Based in Clemson, South Carolina, Meriel has been riding and competing for the past 10 years, focusing on show jumping and eventing. But her journey did not start in a big show ring.

It started on a little grey pony at a strawberry festival.

Rider Snapshot

• Age: 17
• Hometown: Clemson, SC
• Discipline: Show jumping & Eventing
• Horse: Simon (Holsteiner)
• Trainer: Jared Beasley – Jared Beasley Sport Horses
• Highlight: Reserve Champion x2 at WEC

From a Pony Ride to a Purpose

“I first got into riding when I sat on a little grey pony at a strawberry festival.”

That simple moment turned into something much bigger. It became a passion that shaped her life.

Today, Meriel rides Simon, a 16 hand bay Holsteiner and her trainer’s former Grand Prix horse.

“He’s a character. He’s so sweet and forgiving, a total packer. I’m so grateful to be able to ride him and compete with him.”

She trains with Jared Beasley of Jared Beasley Sport Horses, whose guidance and experience have played a big role in her development as a rider.

The Reality Behind the Dream

What most people do not see is everything that happens outside the ring.

Meriel is completely self funded.

“I work full time every day. I work doubles at a steakhouse, pet sit, ride a client horse, and work for my barn.”

Her path has not been easy, and it has not been typical.

She graduated high school a year and a half early, missing out on walking with her friends. At just 16, she moved to Florida on her own to pursue her equestrian career and continue learning in the industry.

“I was working full time in Florida for most of 2025 and got the opportunity to show and ride so many different horses. I met incredible people and made lifelong friendships.”

It is a level of commitment most people do not realize.

“One thing that is overlooked in the equestrian industry is how much hard work and commitment it takes. It truly shows how much equestrians love horses.”

A Small Win That Made a Big Impact

Earlier this year, Meriel won our $500 giveaway.

“I was over the moon when I found out I won. I was jumping, screaming, and running all over the house.”

She used her shopping spree to prepare for one of the biggest opportunities of her career, competing at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala.

Her haul included everything she needed to walk into the ring confidently, from a show jacket and breeches to boots, a halter, and tack essentials.

“The support helped me fully prepare for the most eventful and surreal week of my life. I felt so confident going into the ring and Simon definitely felt it.”

The WEC Experience

For her first time competing at WEC, every moment felt surreal.

“Every time I walked into the ring, it was definitely a pinch me moment.”

With the support of her trainer, Jared Beasley, she stepped into a competitive environment ready to prove herself.

Reserve Champion x2

At her very first WEC show, Meriel earned Reserve Champion in two classes.

“It felt so good. I was so proud of Simon and so grateful for our partnership.”

Competing against a large group of riders, she held her own.

“It was so cool to see the other riders, and I felt so proud of us knowing how many riders were in my classes.”

More Than Just a Ribbon

For Meriel, the biggest takeaway was not just the results.

It was the experience and the people she got to share it with.

“I really valued sharing it with my friends and family.”

The Rider Behind the Results

Like any rider, her journey has had its fair share of highs and lows.

Her favorite riding moment?

“Bareback jumping my chestnut mare project pony a few summers ago.”

Her least favorite?

“On my third lesson, I got bucked off over the arena fence into a blackberry bush.”

Those moments, the messy, funny, and difficult ones, are part of what shapes riders into who they become.

Looking Ahead

Meriel’s goals are clear.

She hopes to one day compete at Wellington and Stable View, and if her track record says anything, she is well on her way.

Her advice to other young riders is simple:

“Work hard and stay motivated and on track. Reaching out to people and putting yourself out there really pays off.”

She is chasing big goals, but she is also just a 17 year old figuring it out as she goes.

She hopes to one day own a dark bay, liver chestnut, or dappled grey Connemara, Holsteiner, or Zangersheide. Like most riders, she already has a pretty clear picture of what that looks like.

A Huge Congratulations

We are so excited to congratulate Meriel on an incredible first WEC experience and earning Reserve Champion in two classes.

That is a huge accomplishment and one that reflects the work she puts in every single day.

We are proud to have been a small part of her journey, and we will definitely be watching what she does next and cheering her on along the way 💛