Trainer De Souza among those at PSJ Cupid Classic

Autumn Rise Farm's Lilly de Sousa was among the trainers whose students were exhibiting this week at the Progressive Show Jumping AA rated Cupid Classic, part of the Aiken Winter Challenge Series, at Highfields Event Center. She brought five horses and three riders to this week's show.

"We ride some pre-green hunters, and than I have four jumpers," said de Sousa.

The Raleigh, N.C.-based professional had always wanted to be a trainer when she was growing up, and enjoyed success in the junior ranks. She intends to work as long as possible as a trainer and coach, and has always been involved with the hunter/jumpers.

"I tried to step away from the horses, but I just kept coming back to them," said de Sousa, who qualified and competed at the Indoor Finals for the ASPCA Maclay and USEF Medal.

De Sousa grew up in Vermont where she worked with trainer Missy Clark, and exhibited in horse shows in the northeast. She also competed at the intercollegiate level.

"I came south when I went to college (Savannah College of Art and Design)," said de Sousa.

Autumn Rise Farm has a 25-stall barn and a lighted outdoor arena with a full jump course, said de Sousa.

"It's very basic," said de Sousa. "It's about 10 minutes from downtown Raleigh. It's very close to N.C. State, with a lot of college kids, young professionals and a few younger kids. We offer boarding, training, lessons, sales and go to horse shows. We also have plenty of turnout."

The horsewoman enjoys showing at Highfields Event Center, and finds that the footing is nice and inviting for the horses.

"The courses are nice," said de Sousa. "It's about a 4 1/2 to 5 hour drive from Raleigh, but I like showing here. I may come back at the end of March and in September (for the Equus Events Aiken Fall Festival)."