Celia Cram didn’t have much of a decision to make when it came to turning professional. Horses have always been part of her DNA, literally. Her mom, Cathy Cram, is a respected hunter-jumper professional and R-rated hunter judge. Her dad, Rick Cram, is a show manager and course designer. On her father’s side, both grandparents – Mary Ann Parmalee and Tom Parmalee – are professionals as well.
“I’ve never known anything other than horses,” Celia said. “And I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Celia has been seriously testing her skills in the show ring since she was 6. Now a professional, she competes in the pro/green hunter divisions, national derbies and select jumper classes at shows across the country.

This season, she is focused on continuing to develop the 6-year-old hunter stallion Orchard Hills Rolled in Gold in the 3’ Green Hunters and national derbies. She is quick to credit the horse’s owner, Carol Thogode, for the opportunity. “I am so grateful for her trust with this special horse,” Celia said.

Personally, Celia’s sights are set on qualifying for the WCHR Developing Professional Challenge at the prestigious Capital Challenge Horse Show this fall. It’s a goal that reflects her commitment to constant growth as both a rider and trainer.

But her success is never just about her own accomplishments. Celia takes equal pride in her clients’ achievements, including Ivy Bonds’ victory in the 2025 USEF/NCEA Hunter Seat Medal Finals. The win was especially meaningful given that Ivy competed on a horse who had been in the United States for just six weeks and the Finals marked only his third American horse show.

“Both Ivy and I put a lot of work into that horse in such a short time, and it paid off beautifully,” Celia said.

For Celia, horsemanship goes far beyond the ring. It means understanding every detail that can make or break a horse’s performance and well-being. She is deeply involved in veterinary and farrier decisions and pays close attention to nutrition and daily management.

“I’m constantly thinking about the horses and how to make them better,” she said. “It’s funny, at the end of a long Sunday, all I want is a day off. But by noon on Monday, I’m ready to get back to the barn and ride. Horses are everything to me. I love being the only one in the barn and getting all my horses ridden before everyone comes in.”

Her attention to detail extends to tack. Celia is known (affectionately) for her meticulous bit and bridle organization. She can ride a horse once and know exactly what bit setup will suit it best. She knows every bridle in the barn and precisely where it belongs. And if something gets moved, taken apart or goes missing? She’ll notice immediately.

As the season progresses, Celia is concentrating on sharpening her technical skills, particularly with the young horses in her program. Strengthening and balancing, teaching lead changes, incorporating grid work — all are part of the daily routine. She is especially excited about a young 4-year-old hunter mare by Carrico that she recently started jumping and showing. In addition, two 3-year-old stallions are currently in Europe being started under saddle, and several new imports are expected to arrive early in the season. It is, by any measure, a busy time.
Underlying all of it is Celia’s unwavering focus on horse welfare and that’s one reason she is proud to be sponsored by LEGIS Equine.

“Insurance is so important in the equine community,” Celia said. “It would be very hard for this world to continue without it. LEGIS makes it easier because they truly understand the horse business. Their motto says it all: ‘Horsemen Insuring Horsemen.’ It really makes a difference.”

And after a long day of competition? Celia admits she’s thinking about her next meal almost as much as the next class.

“I’m a big foodie — food is everything to me!” she said with a laugh. “It’s not a horse show without Mexican food, and it’s never a celebration without my favorite meal of steak and potatoes.”