Spotlight: Holli Adams Reflects on 10 Years at Tryon International

Emma Skelton for Tryon International

Holli Adams is a seasoned professional whose lifelong passion for horses has driven her to achieve remarkable success. Holli's dedication to her students and talent have led her to excel in the highest events at the national level and gain the ability to share her knowledge with her students. As head trainer of Still Creek Farm in Landrum, SC, Holli coaches students of all levels. Read below to learn more about her experiences and accomplishments!

 How did you get your start in riding?

I didn't grow up in a horse family. My earliest memory is begging and pleading my parents for a horse. My whole family loves animals, but none of them have the obsession I have with horses. I kept badgering them until I finally got riding lessons when I was about eight. My father promised to buy me a horse when I was twelve, and I kept after him until he did when I was eleven. I started with a Quarter Horse trainer, but in English riding. I wanted to pursue jumping because it was more prevalent at open shows than at Quarter Horse shows at the time.

What are some of your biggest achievements?

I knew from an early age that I didn't aspire to go to the Olympics or ride on the United States team, but I did want to compete at the national level. I jumped National Grand Prix for fifteen years and showed four-foot hunters at the indoor year-end finals and the Devon Horse Show. I'm very proud of my competitive history at year-end national finals, and jumping Grand Prix for so many years with just a short list of incredible horses. Besides that, developing horses has been a personal accomplishment. I really enjoy bringing young horses up to upper-level competitions (or wherever their skills shine), listening to them, and figuring out where they excel.

What is one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring rider?

Keep your mouth shut and your eyes and ears open. There's so much to learn from watching the legends of this sport. Many of those legends don't ride anymore, but they coach and talk a lot. Aspiring riders should spend a lot of time watching and listening at the schooling area. Pay attention to what experienced people are saying and doing, especially those riding at the level you aspire to reach. There's a lot the average rider may miss by not fully absorbing everything around them, especially being around incredible horsemen. Going to Saturday Night Lights at Tryon is just one riding lesson after another.

How long have you been showing at Tryon International, and what was your first show there?

I've been showing at TIEC since the beginning. My first memory of Tryon was showing a horse that belonged to a client and long-time dear friend. I had the horse since he was three years old and developed him through all the levels. When TIEC opened, he was stepping down, so I showed him just as a refresher. The environment was a bit intimidating at first, since no horses had shown there before, but it was one of my favorite memories because he was a good friend. I'm glad I had the chance to show him at such an incredible venue. It was in the 2’6 Foothills Hunter division. It wasn't a particularly prestigious division, but he was an incredible horse.

What has been your favorite horse show memory at TIEC?

It's hard to narrow that down because there are so many. I remember a young student who had a horse with significant issues, especially with refusals. She started riding with me at a low point. One summer, she jumped a low 80-centimeter training class, and her horse was so relaxed. She rode beautifully and completed the course as if it were just another day at the office. For her, it was like riding in the Olympics. It was incredibly rewarding because TIEC is a prestigious venue with Olympic and international riders. That class gave her a massive confidence boost and was a bucket list moment for her and her horse. It meant a great deal to both of us.

What is your favorite part about coming to TIEC?

My favorite part about coming to TIEC is the sense of family and camaraderie. I've lived and worked with horses all over the United States, and it's always wonderful to see friends from different places. The venue is small enough to feel familiar, but not too spread out or isolating. You get to know people's names, from those at the in-gate, to the secretaries in the office, and even the person who helped you at the Legends Club. It doesn't feel like you're away from home. Many of my friends from out of the area love to show there for the same reason, and I like that.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

I think this area is lucky to have TIEC. It's been a game changer not just in Tryon, but within a two or three hour radius. It has created opportunities for people to show at an upper level that they never would have had otherwise. I love that showing at a rated level can be attainable by a broader group of people instead of just a select few. We all benefit from that, and for that, I am grateful.

To learn more about our ten year history, click here.