MEET WHITNEY PIERPONT: Founder of Optimistic Ride

Whitney lives in Aiken, South Carolina, where she spends most of her time riding and working with horses. When not on horseback, she is often travelling to gorgeous places for spectacular adventures. 

Favorite luggage?

For adventure trips, I use my Cotopaxi roller duffel bag.  It is durable, light, and holds more than you need, including the kitchen sink.

Travel uniform?

A tweed or linen blazer, my favorite travel pants, which are pleated “silky” pajama pants with an elastic waist, and a wrap.

Essentials you are never without?

Sunglasses, sun hat, waterproof shell, and of course gel & elastics to keep my crazy curly hair under control.

What is your favorite destination?

That is a really tough question.  There are so many special, beautiful places in our world.  But there is something captivating and intoxicating about the countries I have visited in Africa.  They call you back.

Where are you dreaming of going that you haven't visited yet?

New Zealand, Thailand

Where are you off to next?

My son is doing Ironman races around the world.  I am waiting for him to choose his next location in the fall, and I will join him. For now, I cannot wait to take a restful vacation on the coast of Maine, at the end of summer.

Do you collect anything in your travels?

I love purchasing treasures when I travel, plus I return with a special rock or feather.  I try to find a Christmas ornament on every trip and at least one garment that can take me back to that trip instantly.  

Please tell us more!

Some of my favorite and most memorable trips have been my adventures on horseback.  My most recent trip was in Botswana with seven good friends.  We rode wonderful, rugged horses all day through the vast wild landscape amongst the animals. In the late afternoons, we rode in jeeps and got extremely close to the wildlife.  At night, we danced and slept under the stars.

In Aiken, SC, I am very fortunate to be with amazing horses every day and help equestrians.  My approach to training is based on compassion, which keeps the horses healthy and happy.

Always exploring, educating, and having a positive heart. Optimistic Ride is the name of Whitney's business. Please find the link here.