In the early morning hours at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, most athletes and spectators are still asleep. For Kaitlyn Linck, however, it’s the perfect time to spend a few quiet hours with her horse, Don Touch de Tiji Z.
Linck (Clinton Corners, N.Y.) competed with Don Touch de Tiji Z, her own 2016 Zangersheide gelding (Don’t Touch Tiji Hero x Viva La Vida Hero Z) in the 2026 USEF/Valencia Saddlery Hunter Seat Medal Final.
The duo’s story began in late 2021 when “Touchy” was imported into the United States. Although he was purchased as a jumping prospect for his previous owner, Linck felt his destiny was in the equitation ring.
“I was the first person to ride him in America,” she said. “I always thought he would be a perfect equitation horse.”
Over the next two years, Linck rode the gelding periodically before the opportunity arose to lease him. In May of 2025, she officially made him her own.
“I was so excited for him to be ours,” she said. “He has all the scope in the world and his stride is massive, which makes him so successful in the ring.”
Success came quickly for the pair. Their accomplishments include champion at the 2026 USHJA 3’3” Hunter Seat Medal Final, champion in the 13-14 Equitation at Capital Challenge in 2024, 15 y/o Equitation at Capital Challenge in 2026, as well as reserve champion at the 2026 North American Junior Equitation Championships.
Before she enters the ring, Linck must first get her horse ready and in the right mindset. Spending as much time as possible with Touchy is a key part of that process, and something she believes has strengthened their partnership.
“I’m pretty much the only one that takes care of him besides my mom,” she said. “I get him ready at the ring, and I'm the only one that rides him. Having a strong connection in the barn transfers to having a strong connection under saddle.”
At home, her preparation is refreshingly simple. Linck prioritizes flatwork, fitness, and keeping her horse happy at all times.
“At home we hardly jump at all,” she said. “I really only flat him, or at most do little cavallettis. It’s all about the flatwork and keeping them fit.”
When it comes to show day, she sticks to a familiar plan. Linckwalks the course once by herself and then again with her trainer, Stacia Madden, and then one final time before mounting and warming up.
“I love taking care of my horses,” she said. “It’s good to be in the barn early and it’s good to stay late. Overall, I think it’s just something people should know how to do, from tacking up and grooming, to caring for them and noticing minor changes. Because I am with them so much, I am able to see if they come into the barn with a new injury or even if they just seem ‘off.’”
Hard work is not something Linck is afraid of. Her ambition has shaped her path both in and out of the saddle
“It’s made me the person I am today,” she said. “It makes me fight for it even harder when I'm in the ring. I’ve always had to help in the barn or help ride other horses to be able to get the horses I have right now. It has really gotten me to where I am today and gives me such a strong work ethic.”
In the fall, Linck will be attending Auburn University after committing to their D1 equestrian team. She plans to continue her pursuit of equitation and horsemanship, while also getting a pre-law degree.
“I want to get to the top of the sport, but it’s also important to me to get a good degree,” she said. “Horses will always be a part of my life, and they’re always there for me to go back to. It’s really good to not only be successful in this sport but also have a good education because anything can happen at any moment.”
Regardless of what her future looks like, Touchy will be a part of it, at least through the end of her junior career.
“He’s one in a million,” she said. “He’s so sweet and always tries his hardest. He’s definitely one that is going to hang around a while, he’s so special to me.”