This year, I am entering a building phase as I embark on a new chapter in my training and riding journey. Both Sky and Tess are getting a well-deserved break, allowing me the opportunity to share their expertise and knowledge with other riders. I am really hitting my stride with Kry, and I hope to continue developing him and making him stronger, perhaps with a show or two along the way.
After a recent health scare, Vroom is now getting back into a training program and is expected to hit the show ring this winter. Additionally, I have two young horses that have just been started under saddle, presenting a fun challenge to keep things exciting!
It will be mentally, emotionally, and physically challenging, so it’s essential to have people you can talk to. I am fortunate to have an incredibly open relationship with my trainer, Chris Hickey, as well as my mom and sister, who competes and is one of my biggest supporters.
All the hard work you put in will be worth it, and the relationships you build—both professionally and personally—will be unlike any other.
Every year, I feel like I reach new highlights and milestones—just when I think it can’t get any better, it somehow does. Even through all the highs and lows of this sport, I strive to focus on the positives. Progressing from the NAJYRC to the Nations Cup to Devon, I find that good things keep happening, and I am truly grateful for all these amazing opportunities.
Throughout her childhood, horses have always been an integral part of Molly’s life. As her dedication to riding became evident, her family decided to establish Joli Cheval, an equestrian center in Mint Hill, where they could provide impeccable, hands-on care for their horses. Over the years, they have built an outstanding team of trusted professionals who share their belief that the horse always comes first.
Molly carries this philosophy into the show ring, preferring to groom and care for her horses herself, ensuring they receive the attention and love they deserve. You might have even spotted her in some behind-the-scenes photos sporting the famous USA pants!
I want to know everything about my horses—their likes and dislikes, what makes them nervous or excited. Building that bond and trust is essential for success at the upper levels of dressage. Understanding each horse as an individual allows me to tailor my training approach and foster a deeper connection, ultimately leading to greater achievements in the arena.
– Molly Paris
Molly credits her time spent at Joli Cheval with keeping her grounded and focused, while also putting her in the right mindset for training in Wellington and traveling to compete. She feels incredibly fortunate to have access to top-notch equine facilities, as well as a dedicated team and barn family who love and support her every step of the way.
Molly’s first major breakthrough on the international stage came in 2014 when she won an individual silver medal and a freestyle bronze on Diamant Sky at the Youth Continental/Regional Championships in Lexington, Kentucky, securing gold for her team. The following year, she returned to the competition in the Young Rider division, placing 7th in teams, 10th individually, and 4th in freestyle.
In 2016, seeking greater exposure and confidence at the upper levels and U25, Molly purchased Countess (Tess), a quirky chestnut mare. “She’s amazing—she’s teaching me a lot, and she’s the sweetest mare. I really could not love her more,” Molly shares.
After spending some time getting to know Tess, Molly made the trek to Gladstone, New Jersey, in 2017 to compete in the Brentina CupChampionship at the prestigious The Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions. She finished 3rd overall with a total score of 65.992%, earning a score of 66.975% in the Grand Prix 16-25 freestyle and winning the Intermediate II 16-25 with a score of 67.079%.
With the encouragement and guidance of her coach, Chris Hickey, Molly, who was only 21 at the time, not only competed in her first FEI CDI-W Grand Prix freestyle at the Tryon Fall Dressage FEI CDI-W later that year but also won the FEI Grand Prix freestyle with a score of 68.375%.
“This is our first CDI-W Grand Prix together and it’s been so amazing. She’s been great all week. We’ve done the U-25 together and Chris Hickey said, ‘You have the horse, now go do the Grand Prix,’ so here we are!”
– Molly Paris
Following her success, Molly made her debut at Dressage at Devon, where she achieved an impressive 5th place in the Grand Prix and 4th place in the freestyle with a score of 69.4%.
In 2018, Molly was selected to represent the United States in the CDIO U25 competition with her Grand Prix mare, Tess, while also showcasing Diamant Sky (Sky) in the CDI 3 Small Tour* competition. She concluded her 2018 season with a remarkable 2nd place finish against a competitive field of 12 horse/rider combinations in the USEF Young Adult ‘Brentina Cup’ Dressage National Championships at the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions in Wayne, Illinois.
In 2019, after searching for over a year for a young horse to bring up through the levels, Molly purchased Kryon, a 4-year-old gelding (Olympic Ferro x Elise) with just over 30 days under saddle. Known around the barn for his playful personality and wonderful attitude, Molly has taken him from his first dressage test to competing successfully at 4th level. There’s no limit to Kryon’s potential, and Molly is excited to see how her “baby dinosaur” progresses.
Currently, Molly has an exciting string of young horses in various stages of training and showing. She trains out of Mint Hill, NC—just outside of Charlotte—and spends her winters in Wellington, FL.
Bringing years of experience and exposure to the very best in training, competition, and education, Molly Paris offers personalized hands-on services that helps both horse and rider develop the skills and confidence needed for a lifetime of success.
Based in Charlotte, NC, and Wellington, FL, Molly is a professional dressage rider whose approach emphasizes horsemanship and mastering the basics, ensuring every horse is treated with the utmost respect and care.
6000 Joli Cheval
Mint Hill, NC 28227
