Today we’d like to introduce you to Izabela Evlian.
Hi Izabela, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Izabela Evlian, a 23-year-old horse trainer in California, and this is a glimpse into my life. My passion for horses began when I was ten years old, when my family gifted me a riding lesson for my birthday. Since then, my love for horses has grown immensely.
To keep riding, I became a working student. I cleaned stalls, groomed, and did whatever needed to be done — just for the chance to sit in the saddle again. That responsibility created independence and pride, carving my path forward at a young age.
Twelve years of riding has shaped me into more than a trainer. It has taught me patience, resilience, and the power of communication in silence. Horses have been the constant thread in my life—the anchor that grounded me when nothing else made sense.
Now, as I navigate my professional career, I sometimes feel young surrounded by established trainers. But I remind myself: age doesn’t measure passion, and experience is earned only by showing up day after day, ride after ride.
The truth is, this life isn’t glamorous. It’s long hours, sore muscles, and small wins that sometimes only you notice. But it’s also the exhilaration of a breakthrough, the quiet connection with a horse that words could never capture.
My own horse, Amara, is my mirror — reflecting how far I’ve come and reminding me how much further I want to go. Six months ago, I started a new chapter with my five-year-old mare. Every step we take together seems to mirror my own journey — the progress, the hesitations, the small victories that add up to something bigger.
With Amara, nothing comes instantly. She tests my patience in ways that force me to slow down, breathe, and trust the process. But when she gives me even the smallest breakthrough — softening into the bridle, finding balance in a transition, or simply meeting me with trust instead of resistance — the reward feels enormous.
She has already carried me through milestones that mark not just her growth, but mine too. Training her has become an exercise in self-awareness: when I’m tense, she’s tense; when I’m calm and confident, she follows. She pushes me to be present, to let go of doubt, and to ride with intention.
Amara reminds me daily that training isn’t only about developing horses — it’s about developing yourself alongside them. Watching her transform over these months has been a constant reminder of how far I’ve come, and how much more there is to learn.
It’s not glamorous, but it’s real. The long days, the grit, the fleeting moments when everything clicks together. This diary is my space to share both the exhaustion and the exhilaration. It isn’t just about training horses—it’s about trusting the process, embracing the setbacks, and choosing to keep going, even when it’s hard.
And tomorrow, there will be another ride, another lesson, another test of patience. That’s the thing about this life: it never slows down, and neither can I.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like all callings, mine hasn’t come without struggle. There were days when exhaustion blurred my passion, mornings when the weight of responsibility felt unbearable, and seasons when doubt whispered that I wasn’t cut out for this life. Yet, it was always the horses who pulled me back. A fleeting moment of trust, a softening eye, a breakthrough ride — small glimpses that outweighed the doubt and reminded me why I belonged here.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
While my journey has already given me more lessons than I could count, I know this is just the start. My path isn’t just about surviving the grind of early mornings and long days — it’s about shaping a future in this sport. I want to build a career in developing young horses, preparing them for their next chapters, and creating programs where they can thrive.
Sales excite me because they aren’t just transactions; they’re opportunities to match horses with the right people, to create partnerships that last. Competing drives me because it’s a stage where months of unseen work come together in a few unforgettable moments. And training gives me purpose because it allows me to be part of a horse’s transformation — from raw potential to polished partner.
My path is leading me toward a future in sales, developing young horses, and stepping into the show ring with confidence. I want to shape horses that not only succeed in competition, but also thrive in partnership. That vision keeps me moving forward — tomorrow, and every day after.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way to connect or collaborate is by reaching out directly or following along with my work.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Izabela.eq
Image Credits
@calisto.photography
