Last weekend, Jolie Sexson and her and Tracy Bowman’s Killian O’Connor had a fabulous outing at Twin Rivers, taking home the top honors in the competitive Advanced division. Sexson hails from Martinez, California and her and the 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse/Selle Francais gelding made the long trek across the country last year to compete in the prestigious Jersey Fresh CCI3*, where they finished in the top 20. This year, Sexson and Killian will be competing at the Rolex Kentucky CCI4* for the first time. Get to know this 27-year-old West Coaster so you can cheer her on this April in Kentucky!
1. How did you first get involved in eventing?
I started taking lessons from Tracy Bowman and eventing is what she did. I always wanted to do what she did, and the first time I went cross-country, I was hooked.
2. How long have you been riding for?
I have been riding since I was 6. About 21 years.
Killian O’ Connor is my upper level horse right now. He is an ISH/SF cross and is 11 this year. He is a very quiet easy going kind of guy until he is going to get groomed. He hates it so much!
4. What has been your favorite competition memory this far?
My favorite memory has to be when our area 6 team won the gold medal at NAYRC. I made the team with just two intermediates and really didn’t know what to expect. My horse was fantastic and we had such a great time!
5. What has been your most embarrassing equestrian moment?
It’s hard to name just one but it would have to be when I was running during the trot-up at an event and my horse bumped me and we both almost went down in front of everyone. I ended up with a black and blue ankle. I limped away very embarrassed.
6. If you could liken Killian O’Connor to any celebrity, who would it be and why? If I had to pick someone I would have to pick someone like Brad Pitt. He has a huge heart and is always trying to help other people out. Not to mention that he is also very good looking.
7. You are aiming at competing at Rolex in April. Will this be your first trip there? What are you most excited and nervous about?
This will be my first year competing at Rolex, to ride anyway. I’m most excited about finally competing. I have always wanted to compete and ride at such a great event. I’m most nervous about having another embarrassing moment, only this time it would be in front of a much bigger crowd!
8. Aside from your horses, what is the one item that you spend way too much money on?
I definitely spend way too much money on Starbucks. I have a major caffeine addiction!
9. Who is your favorite event horse of all time?
One of my favorite event horses was Murphy Himself. He was just so bold.
10. Who has been your biggest inspiration in getting where you are today?
I have so many people that inspire me everyday. My family, Tracy Bowman, and my fiancé all inspire me to keep striving for more and making myself a better person. When I was growing up Mark Todd was so inspirational because he made it all look so easy.
