The success story of the Porter Brothers.

Who are the Porter Brothers?

The Porter Brothers, Wilton and Lucas Porter, are two renowned riders from Texas who have made a name for themselves in international show jumping. Both brothers have built impressive careers in equestrian sport and are known for their success at both national and international level.

Wilton and Lucas Porter started riding at a young age and first gained major attention in 2014, when they each won a gold medal in their respective divisions at the North American Youth Championships (NAJYRC). This marked the beginning of their promising careers in the sport.

The brothers trained under the guidance of legendary coach Jeroen Dubbeldam, which helped them refine their skills and reach a higher level. Working with Dubbeldam contributed significantly to their success in international competitions and enabled them to establish themselves both in Europe and the United States.

Wilton Porter in particular stood out after being selected for the U.S. team at the Nations Cup in Wellington, where he achieved notable victories. Lucas Porter has also earned numerous successes, and both brothers are known for their dedication and passion for the sport.

Today, the Porter Brothers run training bases in Wellington, Florida, and in Weerselo, the Netherlands. These locations allow them to be active in both the U.S. and Europe throughout the year, developing not only their own horses but also young talent.

Alongside their athletic careers, the brothers place great value on their personal bond with their horses and are known for their respectful and supportive partnerships—both within their family and in the sport. Their careers are defined by hard work, commitment, and a deep love for horses.

The Beginning: A Golden Start

‍The Porter Brothers’ breakthrough came in 2014, when Wilton and Lucas each won a gold medal in their respective divisions at the North American Youth Championships (NAJYRC). This outstanding double victory drew attention across the equestrian world and marked the start of their rising careers. Shortly afterward, a family friend introduced the two brothers to Jeroen Dubbeldam—one of the biggest names in international show jumping.

Even before meeting Dubbeldam, the brothers had already made the step up to Grand Prix show jumping. But with his guidance, they reached a new level. Under his leadership, they managed to balance the demands of college and sport, establishing themselves both in Europe and in the United States.

From Ponies to Show Jumpers

‍When their Western horses reached their limits in jumping, the Porters’ mother, Suzanne, quickly got them a pony to share. At first, Wilton and Lucas followed the traditional American pathway and competed in pony hunter classes. But after about three years, they discovered their passion for show jumping and were soon given several experienced jumpers for the 1.10–1.20 m level. These older horses taught them a great deal and fueled their ambitions in the sport, leading them to take show jumping more and more seriously.

Working with Jeroen Dubbeldam

‍Over the years, the Porter brothers’ relationship with Jeroen Dubbeldam has grown into a deep and wide-ranging partnership. Beyond the classic coach–rider dynamic, Dubbeldam also acts as a mentor, business partner, and close friend. Lucas and Wilton Porter have now been under his guidance for four years. During this time, they have not only refined their riding skills, but also learned valuable lessons in horse management and preparing for international competition.

Their ongoing collaboration with Dubbeldam has led to remarkable improvements in performance—especially over the past two years, where progress has been particularly evident. Wilton reached a major milestone last season when he was selected for the U.S. team for the Nations Cup at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington. There, he and his horse Caletto Cabana delivered two winning rounds, highlighting the effectiveness of Dubbeldam’s methods.

Lucas and Wilton, both of whom had already achieved success in the youth ranks before working with Dubbeldam, were looking for ways to further develop their skills. Their decision to go to Europe and train with an internationally accomplished coach proved to be a defining step in their careers. Dubbeldam’s approach—focused on technical development as well as the overall management of their horses—has helped them reach new heights.

Training with Dubbeldam was intensive and initially required the brothers to take a few steps back in order to strengthen the fundamentals. In their first season, they mainly focused on learning and understanding Dubbeldam’s system before returning more fully to international competition. This strategic approach has paved the way for greater long-term success.

A key part of their education under Dubbeldam has been horse management. Lucas and Wilton learned how important it is to view each horse as an individual and to develop a specific plan that builds on its strengths and addresses its particular needs. The successful application of these principles is reflected in their recent achievements, including a top placing for one of their horses on the USEF Show Jumping Ranking List and a Nations Cup team nomination.

Wilton and Lucas’s success is the result of careful planning and a clear strategy. From daily work with the horses to selecting the right competitions, Dubbeldam’s guidance has been crucial. The brothers hope to carry forward and apply what they have learned independently in the future, so they can continue to compete successfully at the highest level.

The Style Shift: From the American to the European Riding System

For Lucas and Wilton Porter, the transition from the American riding style to European horsemanship was a smooth one. In the European system, an important learning point was placing a stronger focus on the horses’ needs. This meant the riders had to adapt their techniques and approaches to help their horses jump at their best.

Comparing the two styles, the brothers found that the American approach often favors a more dynamic, forward-riding style. It places particular emphasis on a relaxed position and precise rider form, partly influenced by equitation. The European system, on the other hand, tends to maintain more consistent contact with the horse and focuses more strongly on a close connection between rider and horse. Despite these differences, both styles have their place and can be effective in different ways depending on the type of horse and the rider’s preferences. Both systems also share core principles, such as careful horse care and correct training, to ensure a successful partnership between horse and rider.

Wellington and Weerselo – Two Bases

‍Today, the Porter brothers run two main bases for their riding activities: one in Wellington, Florida, and one in Weerselo, the Netherlands. In the U.S., they spend the months from January to March and compete during that time at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington. After that, they shift their focus to Europe and are based at their stable in Weerselo, located in close proximity to Jeroen Dubbeldam’s Stal De Sjiem.

In the early years of their collaboration with Jeroen Dubbeldam, the Porter brothers were based at Stal De Sjiem. As their horse numbers grew and their activities expanded, however, a permanent solution became necessary. They had the opportunity to acquire a neighboring property and built a stable with seventeen stalls there. The new facility includes both an outdoor and an indoor arena, a large grass riding field, a track surrounding the barn, and a horse walker.

The decision to stay as close as possible to Jeroen Dubbeldam is very important to the Porter brothers, as they value him highly both as a coach and as a business partner. Their base in Weerselo also offers the advantage of direct access to talented young horses in Europe and gives them the opportunity to further develop their own horses there.

Brotherly Rivalry

‍When it comes to sibling rivalry, it tends to show up more in golf, where the competition between the brothers is stronger. In riding, however, their relationship is defined by mutual respect and support. Lucas sees Wilton as an important source of inspiration and greatly values his advice. For him, working alongside his brother and having his support—especially in difficult moments—is particularly meaningful.

Wilton, in turn, emphasizes how important their partnership as brothers is to him. Both actively help and motivate each other, which makes their collaboration in the sport especially strong. When one of them faces challenges, the other is there to support them—further strengthening their close bond.

The Love of Horses: The True Driving Force

‍Both Lucas and Wilton Porter aim to represent their country at major international competitions. Yet their motivation goes far beyond sporting success. Their true passion lies with their horses. For Wilton, working with these animals is a central part of his career, because he feels the special relationship he builds with them is truly unique. That emotional connection is an essential part of the sport for him.

Lucas shares this view and stresses that his bond with horses goes far beyond competitive ambitions. Even if he hadn’t chosen show jumping, he would always have maintained a close relationship with horses. Their presence brings him deep satisfaction and a sense of calm. He sees the opportunity to compete with them as a real gift and hopes that horses will remain an important part of his life for years to come.

Conclusion

‍The impressive career of the Porter brothers, Wilton and Lucas, offers a fascinating example of success in international show jumping, combined with a deep passion for their horses. Their journey began with a spectacular double victory at the North American Youth Championships and led to a successful partnership with renowned trainer Jeroen Dubbeldam. This collaboration refined their skills and elevated their careers to a new level.

Their adaptation from the American to the European riding style, along with the establishment of training bases in both the U.S. and Europe, highlights the brothers’ flexibility and professionalism. Their move—especially staying close to Dubbeldam—shows their commitment to working at the highest level and creating the best possible conditions for their horses.

Equally noteworthy is the strong, supportive relationship between Lucas and Wilton. While they may compete more intensely on the golf course, their partnership in riding is defined by mutual encouragement and motivation. Their close bond and shared drive to keep improving are key factors behind their success.

Ultimately, it is their deep love for horses that lies at the heart of their motivation. This emotional connection and dedication to the sport set them apart and shape their path both in and out of the saddle. Their story is an inspiring example of the perfect balance between passion, professionalism, and personal commitment in sport.