Courage and Grit: Meet Soul-be

At just 19 years old, Northern Ireland’s Soul-be Courtney has already crossed oceans, conquered challenges, and carved out a name for herself in the equestrian world. From teaching in Maine to chasing eventing dreams back home, her passion and determination shine in every stride.

Photo courtesy of Soul-be Courtney.

You must meet Soul-be Courtney. She is my new 19-year-old equestrian friend from Northern Ireland. Soul-be was hired to teach riding in Maine this summer, then made her way to NYC then to Nashville. My friend June Burgess, from County Down, asked if this courageous, articulate, talented teenager could meet me while she was in Nashville. Soul-be’s guts, drive and equestrian commitment blew me away.

The following is a snapshot of Soul-be:

Candace: At what age did you begin riding?

Soul-be: I was six years old on my friend’s cheeky Shetland pony who used to kick my mum in the knees when she ran beside us!

C: What kind of riding?

S: I began with casual riding. My friends at the yard let me ride their horses, and I even sat in front of my friend on her 16.2hh mare. Eventually, I went to a riding school to learn properly, even though we had our own horse. It was important to me to ride a variety of horses and build a solid foundation.

A young Soul-be with her horse. Photo courtesy of Soul-be Courtney.

C: What are your current equine activities?

S: Eventing and have just started competing at the 1.10m level. I also continue to train and improve my dressage and show jumping skills. I work on a breeding farm, breaking and riding young horses. Note: Breeding farm belongs to Vicky Teuton of Shannaghmore Farm of “Magic Max” stories.

C: What is your fav and why?

S: Eventing is my favourite because it combines everything I love—precision, adrenaline, and partnership with the horse. I used to stick to dressage and avoided jumping until lockdown, when I discovered my love for it. That led me to show jumping and eventually to eventing.

Photo courtesy of Soul-be Courtney.

C: How did you decide to come to Maine to teach for the summer?

S: I wanted to gain international experience. To challenge myself by adapting myself to new environments and share my passion for horses with others. Teaching at camp in Maine was the perfect opportunity to do all of that while growing personally and professionally.

C: Differences between No. Ireland and U.S. equestrian activities?

S: In Northern Ireland, the focus is often on traditional disciplines (the established, competitive equestrian sports that form the backbone of riding culture in Ireland and the UK, such as dressage, show jumping, eventing and showing in local competitions). In the U.S., especially at camp, there’s a strong emphasis on horsemanship, safety, and building confidence. The approach is more recreational with alternative styles like Western, reigning, trail riding. Seems more inclusive.

C: What kind of horsemanship did you teach and to what ages?

S: I taught riding and stable management to kids aged seven to 14. Lessons ranged from beginner basics to more advanced flatwork and jumping, depending on the rider’s level.

C: Goals?

S: My ultimate goal is to ride professionally and compete at high levels in eventing. I also want to build a career that allows me to coach and inspire young riders.

C: You sound perfect. Any some setbacks?

S: One of the biggest challenges is gaining enough experience and competing against professional riders while still studying. It’s also tough being taken seriously as a young rider in a competitive field.

Photo courtesy of Soul-be Courtney.

C: What are you doing to achieve your goals?

S: I train consistently, seeking out coaching and competition opportunities, and building my network. I’m also studying equine science to deepen my knowledge and support my long-term goals.

C: Scariest horse experience – how did you cope – what did you learn?

S: One of the scariest moments was when a horse, in my care, started choking. I was terrified to see the horse in deep distress and not being able to help immediately. I stayed calm, called for help, and followed emergency procedures. It taught me the importance of being prepared for medical emergencies and staying composed under pressure.

C: Anything you want us to know?

S: I’m passionate, determined, and always looking for ways to grow. Horses have shaped who I am, and I’m excited to keep pushing boundaries, whether that’s in the arena, at camp, or in the classroom.

Photo courtesy of Soul-be Courtney.

Any horse that is in this young woman’s hands is lucky. Soul-be’s kindness, equestrian intellectual curiosity, drive and gumption substantiate why she is appreciated and trusted by June and Vicky. Anyone need a young bright light for horse/rider training? Treat yourself, and your students, to Soul-be.