Meet Kait -Asian Equestrian and Founder of Eyes Up, Darling

Instagram is a funny place. The rabbit holes you fall down from cute dog videos, to awe inspiring gardens, and other visually pleasing imagery is one of the reasons I personally find Instagram to be my favorite social media platform. It also has a way of connecting us to others; it allows us a peek into someone’s life, well, what they are willing to show us, and every once in a while I stumble upon someone who I personally resonate with, and last month I found @eyesupdarling , a beautiful account which follows and documents the bond between rider and horse in such a sincere way. Kait, the equestrian darling who owns the account is never one to shy away from sharing painful experiences with her audience, and celebrate the highs. Scrolling through her account you quickly feel like you grew up with her, that she is one of your girlfriends who you used to brunch with before you moved out of the big city and adopted the country life.

We reached out for an interview request and to our delight she was excited to talk with us! We talked all about how to find the perfect horse, falling down and having the grit to get back in the saddle, music, fashion, and so much more.

Below please read our interview with the fabulous and inspiring equestrian, Kait, and go follow her on Instagram here.

You moved during the pandemic from the city to the country, so did we! What has that move been like for you?  Do you miss the city? Are you feeling settled in the country?

 Oh, my goodness! Well congratulations on the big move yourself, as I’m sure you know it’s a lot of work and a lot of stress but in the end it’s so rewarding. We nestled into a really beautiful and small community where you’re able to still walk to the grocery store which was really important for me. I think if I didn’t have amenities and necessities close by, I’d miss the convenience aspect of the city, but other than that this community and area is starting to feel a lot like home for us!

What were any unexpected challenges or happy surprises that you experienced when you moved? 

Making this place feel like home will take time, for the first two weeks it felt more like an Air BnB. We had boxes to the ceiling, eating on the floor with plastic cutlery and no blinds up. Moving as a 24-year-old into my first house was a big adjustment and the responsibility can be challenging but it’s a part of growing up and it’s also exciting.

As an equestrian that lived in a city, how did you juggle riding and city life? Do you have any advice? 

When I was living in the city as an adult, my days were dedicated to my barn schedule. At my previous job, I’d arrive there at 7:00am/7:30am and work an eight-hour shift in order to make my 5:30pm lesson. Being in Toronto and boarding north of the city, there are only two highways to get you there, the 400 and the 404, which are both equally as awful come rush hour. Sometimes it would take me 30 minutes without traffic, but other times it would take me two hours! I am a big believer in time management and planning. If you can move your riding schedule around your work one, perfect but some days you may have to move your work schedule around your riding one!

How did you start riding? How old were you?

It’s a funny story, I wish it were one where it was passed on from my mother or father, but it all started with my sister and I begging our parents to get a dog. My mom wasn’t very fond of animals, she was timid of dogs, and she liked her house animal free! She knew her two daughters like the back of her hand and surprised us with weekly horseback riding lessons, in hopes of distracting us from the dog we always wanted… Instead, she got two daughters who wanted a horse and a dog! My sister and I began riding sometime around 2006 up until 2008. Once she began high school, she stopped riding and I continued for another 3 years before my accident that took me out of the sport for 8 years.

Do you mind talking to us about what happened in your accident?

My accident happened in March of 2010 and a long story short, I ran through a door at a canter. It was the last day of March break boot camp and there was a schooling show for all the campers and parents. This day,  in particular, was a very off day, I had already fallen off and had a total breakdown because of that, but my coach encouraged me to try the course once more. The second round was going beautifully, until the end, where I didn't sit up soon enough. I lost all control and the horse I was riding saw an out which was the arena door that led into the tack room. Unfortunately, I sat up right before the wooden door frame and I sustained a severe concussion.

Your horse Noble Peach, aka Lexington, is absolutely beautiful! How did you two come together? Do you have any advice for someone searching for a horse?
Thank you so much, he is certainly handsome, and he knows it! After searching day and night for about a month or so, I found him through an ad on Facebook. It was an instant connection for me, and it was a bonus that my mom also loved him too. I’m very transparent with this, but Lexington is a free-lease and I’ve had him for three years this October! My biggest challenge during my horse search was that I was shopping without a trainer, which is a big no-no for me now. Shopping with your trainer is, in my opinion, a smart thing to do. They have your best interests in mind, will make sure the horses you’re viewing are safe and strong potential candidates, and finally, they also come with their own network of connections to classified sales. One more bit of advice is to not overlook a leasing opportunity if you’re in the purchasing market. 

On your blog you said, “Although the current state of racial diversity in the industry is upsetting, I can’t help but think about what it was ten years ago. I also can’t help but think what it will be like in ten years. Riders of color shouldn’t have to wait ten years to find out. “We completely agree! What do you want to say to young girls today? What do you wish you could say to your younger self? 
This one is a really hard one for me. I think that the equine industry is heading in the right direction, but I think it’s up to us as consumers to begin demanding such changes and to continue demanding them. I wish I could tell myself and everyone: you should be unapologetically yourself, embrace your individuality and lean into your identity.

Are there other influencers in the equestrian world that you look up to?

I really admire Karen Pole; I think she is an impeccable rider. Seeing her on social media platforms as well as other digital marketing spaces, I feel represented in many ways and that alone is so encouraging. Both Karen and Karl Cook have such strong bonds with their horses, and it shows. It’s a really beautiful reminder for myself and others, that the partnership between mount and rider doesn’t begin when you start riding. I admire their horsemanship and how it shines through their rides.

What are your favorite riding brands? 
I am a huge advocate for Struck Apparel breeches, I think I have close to almost every color! Another favorite of mine is Horse Pilot. Their designs are innovative, and they are made for athletes, which we are. But my all-time favorite leggings to ride in are the Equipad ones. They are as comfortable as the infamous Lululemon leggings and have the cutest silicone full-seat detailing— plus a pocket!

We also love your Spotify Riding Playlist! What are your favorite songs or artists to listen to while you ride currently?

I love music so much and lately I’ve been listening to a lot of throwbacks as well as indie music! Although country music always takes the cake for me. My all-time favorite song is The Bones by Maren Morris. I think it’s such an amazing way to express oneself and with the right song while riding, you feel invincible.

What are your other favorite recreational habits? You have mentioned longboarding on your IG, what got you interested in that? 

I love cycling, walking, running and yes, longboarding! My brother-in-law and his girlfriend got me into it and I’m so happy they did. I find it so much fun and hopefully those skills are transferable to the slopes during snowboarding season!