Adult amateurs, it’s your time to shine! We are featuring all things adult amateur throughout the month of April.
Dressage riders who are designated as an adult amateur with USEF are eligible for amateur-exclusive year-end award divisions, including Master’s Challenge, Vintage Cup, Adequan®/USDF Adult Amateur Awards, All-Breeds Awards, and more!
An adult amateur shares how her career, motherhood, and training her own horse have intersected, and helped to make her a better rider and a more resilient human.
By Cassidy Deimling
Riding has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up in the saddle, starting out in 4-H and eventually finding my passion in dressage. What began as a love for horses steadily grew into a commitment to the sport and the pursuit of constant improvement. My off-the-track Thoroughbred (OTTB) mare, Evening Serenade, played a defining role in that journey. Together, we developed through the levels, ultimately competing at Third Level—a milestone that once felt far out of reach.
But her greatest gift to me wasn’t in the show ring. It was the filly she gave me in 2017—Derecho. From the moment Derecho was born, my journey in horses took on a deeper meaning.
Raising and training a horse from the very beginning is both a humbling and incredibly rewarding journey. There are no shortcuts—only time, patience, and trust. Every small step forward feels earned, and every setback teaches you something new. Developing Derecho from a young horse into a partner capable of competing at Prix St. Georges has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. She is a reflection, not only of careful training, but of years of consistency, perseverance, and belief in the process.
Outside of the barn, I work full-time as a police officer, a career that demands resilience, focus, and the ability to perform under pressure. In many ways, those same qualities carry over into my riding. Balancing a career in law enforcement with the demands of training and competing isn’t always easy, but horses have always been my reset, my grounding force after a long shift.
Last year, my life changed in the best way when my husband and I welcomed our daughter, Chelsea. Becoming a mother added a new layer to everything I do. It reshaped my priorities, challenged my time management, and pushed me to be more intentional with every ride. Returning to the show ring after having her was both exciting and emotional. Seeing her there watching, even if she doesn’t yet understand, has made every ride feel more meaningful.
Motherhood, a full-time career, and competitive riding is a constant balancing act. Some days feel seamless, while others require a little more grit and flexibility. But, through it all, I’ve discovered a strength I didn’t know I had. Horses teach patience, and motherhood deepens it; horses demand consistency, and motherhood reinforces it. Together, they’ve made me not only a better rider, but a more resilient person.
This journey—raising a horse, raising a child, and continuing to grow in my career—has been filled with challenges, but even more so with joy. Every early morning, every late night, every moment in the saddle is a reminder of why I started. It’s not just about the ribbons or the levels—it’s about the partnership, the progress, and the life built around something you love.
And now, getting to share that journey with my daughter watching from the sidelines makes it all the more special.
None of this would be possible with the incredible support system behind me. My trainer, Brittany McCarthy-Geglein, has been instrumental in every step of my development, providing guidance, patience, and belief even on the toughest days. I should also add Brittany is a mother of three beautiful children!
My barn family has offered constant encouragement, celebrating the highs and helping carry me through the lows. My parents not only supported my journey, but helped shape it, having horses of their own and passing down a deep rooted love for the support. My mom and grandmother both grew up riding, and that generational passion is something I now carry forward.
And of course my husband, CJ, has been my steady partner through it all, supporting the long hours, the early mornings, and the unwavering commitment this journey requires. It truly takes a village and I am endlessly grateful for mine.
I am forever grateful for everyone in my corner.
