Vivian Yowan has been riding her whole life—starting with tiny cross rails and progressing to the big jumps of the international ring, she has experienced it all. The 27-year-old equestrian began her journey in early childhood and has since grown into a renowned and accomplished rider. Her success is rooted in her family’s deep passion for horses, the guidance of her junior trainers, Tim and Kelly Goguen, and her experience riding for SMU’s NCAA equestrian team. Today, she is a thriving professional in the hunter and jumper rings, crediting her achievements to her exceptional equine partners, dedicated trainers, and invaluable mentors.
Now embarking on her professional career, Vivian has already amassed an impressive list of accomplishments. As a junior, she won an individual gold medal at the 2015 FEI North American Youth Championships and earned a grand championship at the 2015 Capital Challenge Horse Show. Now, she is focused on building her business and developing a strong clientele as she continues to establish herself in the industry.
We sat down with Vivian to discuss her journey, aspirations, and accomplishments as she takes the next steps in her riding career.
Can you tell us how you first got into riding and what drew you to the sport?
My mom grew up riding, and when she met my dad, he started riding as well. I grew up right across the street from Ox Ridge Hunt Club, so riding was a natural part of my life—it was practically in my backyard. With my dad riding at the time, I was instantly hooked. I started riding when I was just three years old.
You trained with Tim and Kelly Goguen during your junior years—what were some of the most valuable lessons you learned from them?
I think the most valuable lesson I learned was to always put the horse first. Growing up in that program as a junior, I gained a deeper understanding of horsemanship rather than just competing for the sake of it. That foundation was incredibly valuable in my transition to becoming a professional.
Looking back at your junior career, is there a particular moment or victory that stands out to you?
I’d say I have a few accomplishments, but my biggest one was winning individual gold at Young Riders. Of course, there are others as well. I had a well-known junior hunter named Ransom, and interestingly, I’m showing his full brother next week—which is really exciting. Ransom was a horse I brought along myself, and I played a role in making him a recognizable name, which I consider a significant achievement. He competed at Capital Challenge, participated in the night class here at Wellington International, and had a very successful career.
How did competing on the NCAA equestrian team at SMU shape you as a rider and competitor? What did you learn?
Honestly, I’d say the biggest takeaway was learning to work with others. Even though it’s an individualized sport, it really fosters a sense of team camaraderie. I also think it helped me gain experience riding different horses. While they may not have been the same caliber as the ones we show here, adapting to various horses was a valuable skill. Additionally, it taught me a lot about horse care, which is just as important.
Were there any lessons or experiences from your time at SMU that you still carry with you today in your professional career?
Honestly, going to college and stepping away from the competitive side of the sport allowed me to see it from a different perspective. Experiencing it at a different level made me appreciate what we do and what our horses are truly capable of even more.
You’ve had success in both the hunter and jumper rings—do you have a favorite, or do you enjoy competing in both equally?
I definitely enjoy competing in both disciplines. Hunters hold a special place in my heart since I’ve dedicated so much of my career to them. However, I currently have a jumper, and it’s been a fun change of pace. It feels like a bit of an escape from the hunter world, and there’s less pressure when I step into the jumper ring, which makes it even more enjoyable.
Can you tell us about a horse that has had a particularly special impact on your career?
I’d say Ransom is a big one—he’s actually the reason I ended up with Knowingly, who has also had a major impact on my professional career. In a way, they’re connected, which has been really special because it bridges my junior career with my professional journey. I also had one of my first junior hunters named Whatever—I know, funny name! But he was the horse that really put me on the map and played a significant role in my early success.
What are some of your future goals in the sport?
Obviously, I want to be very successful as a professional, but I also hope to build a strong group of clients who can achieve success as well. Right now, I have a few horses of my own and some clients, but my goal is to develop a program where my clients can also earn tricolors at major horse shows. That’s something I’d really love to accomplish.
If you could give one piece of advice to young riders aspiring to follow in your footsteps, especially those looking to join a collegiate riding team, what would it be?
Honestly, I’d say the biggest lesson is to be patient. When I was a junior, especially in the beginning, I struggled with the ups and downs of the sport. It can be tough when you hit a low point, and it’s easy to feel discouraged. But you have to stay patient, keep working through it, and trust the process. In the end, you’ll come out stronger and be a better rider because of it.
