We’ve seen Tight Lines, the former World Championships and CCI5* partner of 2026 Kentucky champion Will Coleman, on entry lists here and there since he stepped down from upper-level competition in 2023. A dressage show with Katie Coleman here, a lower-level event with #supergroom Erin Jarboe there. “Phish” has become a veritable member of the Coleman family, and as he gets more advanced in years, he’s become the ultimate teacher and babysitter who still enjoys a good thrill every now and then.
For Erin Jarboe, who’s been a part of the Coleman crew for the better part of six years, her career as a groom came somewhat by accident. Initially, she’d brought a horse with her to work under Will and Katie, but eventually sold him on and embraced the job of grooming at the high performance level. The riding, as it does for many grooms, took the back seat. Erin has no regrets, but any rider who hangs up their stirrups – even if it’s temporary – feels the itch.
“When I first came to work for them, I never envisioned not having a horse,” Erin recalled. “I wound up selling my horse after being here for about six months, and then it was a little bit like, ‘now what?’ I always loved the grooming aspect of competing, even for myself – the care for the horse and the organization of the barn and the packing. I always loved that, so when I sold my horse I was like well I think I actually would really like grooming. And I think having to handle different pressures of grooming at the high levels, I’ve made my coping skills and how I handle pressure for myself better. I think even just how I handle the pressure of grooming at a five-star has helped my mindset competing myself.”
Will Coleman and Tight Lines compete in the 2014 World Equestrian Games. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
It was a natural fit for Erin to pick up riding Tight Lines. She’d done a lot of his conditioning work when he was still running five-stars, and she’d done his rehab work when he came back from injury. He’s an old soul, one anyone could probably hack out. And while of course not a completely straightforward ride, Erin knew him well enough to start riding him more in earnest. For the Colemans, it was an easy decision to let the French Thoroughbred gelding get in some exercise in his retirement with the person who’d done much of his care.
“I think it’s really special when these really wonderful people who give their life to these horses can then enjoy them and be fulfilled,” Katie Coleman said. “She’s just got such a skill set, and she’s a really wonderful rider, and a really knowledgeable horse person. She’s really put in the work, she’s put in the time, she’s put in all the effort that allows her to reap those rewards.”
Erin’s journeying down the path to earn her USDF Bronze Medal with Phish – she’s got just a couple more scores to earn to make that goal a reality. And the eventing is a fun side gig; she took Phish out at the Novice level at Olney Farm H.T. last summer, and most recently she went for a spin around the Training level at Virginia Horse Center last month. Virginia Horse Center represents a hometown venue for the Charlottesville-based crew, and its ties to the Booth family, who are stalwart supporters of Will and Katie (and whose daughters currently ride with the Colemans), makes it all the more special.
Erin Jarboe and Tight Lines compete at Olney Farm H.T. Photo by Amy Flemming Waters.
The competition is a great perk, but Erin says one of the best parts of having Phish to ride is the fact she can continue her own education as a rider. This includes taking part in lessons with some of Will’s coaches like Grant Wilson and Amy Woodhead. The best way for any rider to stay current, even if they aren’t actively riding, is to observe and absorb the lessons you’re watching each and every day. The pay-offs can’t be understated when it comes time to swing a leg back over yourself.
“Honest to goodness, Erin’s riding the best she’s ever ridden, and I really think that’s just because she’s just been around the program,” Katie confirmed. “She sort of sees good riding and listens to the theory and the technique and all of that. She wants to be better at riding. She wants to keep honing her skills and being useful in the tack.”
And Phish gives her the opportunity to do that, but at this stage in her career it’s less about chasing goals and more about enjoying the learning process and listening to the horse.
“It’s sort of like what does Phish need today?” Erin said. “It’s nice that I can ride him and be in a place where I can do whatever he needs that day without feeling the pressure of ‘this needs to happen today’ because of our schedule. If he comes out one day and is not that enthusiastic, I can just take him for a hack. We don’t HAVE to do anything.”
Erin Jarboe and Tight Lines at VHC Eventing in May. Photo by Haley Boothe / Impulsion Media.
Tight Lines is still owned by the Conair Syndicate, made up of multiple longtime supporters of the Colemans. The horse’s health and happiness comes first, always, at the farm, and Phish getting to enjoy a low-key retirement with some fun thrown in is the perfect way to salute a horse who’d given so much throughout his career.
“I just love that he can do this without feeling stressed at all, which is really sweet and what you want for them at this stage of their career,” Erin said. “It sort of worked out for me to be able to have Phish, and now I’m just enjoying being able to do that until Phish decides he’s done.”
