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When he first began taking horseback riding lessons at
Folly Farm, six-year-old David Wilbur never imagined that his after school
hobby would turn into a career. Today, after building an impressive resume
around the world, David is returning to his roots in Simsbury, Conn. at
Folly Farm working to develop sales and advance the training portion of the
farm’s business.
Having ridden and trained at Folly Farm throughout his junior career, David
steadily rode his way through the Short Stirrup and Maiden divisions and
into the Medal/Maclay and Junior Jumpers. He credits his early
accomplishments to the guidance and instruction of current head trainer and
Folly Farm manager, Cara Chapel.
“We are pleased to have David back lending his expertise in all realms of
the business to enable Folly Farm to keep growing,” says Chapel. “His
excellent experiences, talents and passion for the sport certainly make him
a huge asset to our team.”
After qualifying for all of the prestigious junior equitation finals and
graduating high school, David left Folly Farm and moved to Germany to ride
and train under the tutelage of international horse dealer, Tjeert Rijkens.
It was here that David began learning the ins and outs of the sales business
while he earned valuable riding experience. After returning to the States,
David worked with local trainer, Michael Kirby, as his assistant trainer and
sales and show rider.
In 2001, David had the opportunity to work and ride with veteran Grand Prix
rider, Mark Jungherr. Assuming the position of assistant trainer and sales
and show rider, he not only worked with a number of talented, young hunters
and jumpers but also one of the most respected and accomplished horsemen in
the United States. During his time with Jungherr, David qualified and rode
customer and sale horses in the rated hunter divisions at the indoor fall
horse shows and began riding in the bigger jumper classes including both
Mini-Prix and Grand Prix events.
Along the way, David met and married a fellow equestrian, Maari Wilbur.
Maari’s experience working as a sales and show groom for Mark Jungherr, Emil
Spadone and Olympic gold medalist, Beezie Madden, make her another
exceptional addition to the Folly Farm team.
In November 2005, David accepted the opportunity to return to his hometown
and his riding roots at Folly Farm where he and Maari are helping develop
the farm’s sales and training programs.
“It’s great to return and give back to the farm that gave me my start. I am
thrilled that the opportunity came my way" says Wilbur.
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