What is your favorite horse activity?

My favorite horse activity would be going to hunter jumper shows. I get to spend time with the horses and my fellow show team members. We have become a big family.

Tell us about the horse(s) in your life?

My family and I just bought a chestnut gelding named Tuscany. He is so much fun to ride. He is still young and learning so we teach each other. He has learned a lot already and he is turning out to be a wonderful horse. He can already jump 4 feet and we think he will be able to go higher. I love Tuscany so much and he is making me a better rider.

How long have you been involved with horses and how did your involvement start?

I started riding four and a half years ago. I started because I have always loved animals and several of my family members have been involved with horses.

What horse related clubs/organizations do you belong to?

I am on the Equidream show team. I have been on it for two years. I love our trainers, horses, and show team members. We have so much fun all the time.

What is the best thing about owning a horse?

The best thing about owning a horse is that it teaches responsibility.

What is the worst thing about owning a horse?

The worst thing about owning a horse is that you can’t be at the barn 24/7 to spend time with it.

How do you finance your hobby?

My parents take care of financing. I love them so much for not making me worry about it. I did give up my allowance though to help with it because I love riding so much.

What other activities/interest are you involved in?

I like to play soccer and I play the piano. I am a straight A student in school. I am also involved in Confirmation classes which include volunteering my time in service activities.

What is your most memorable horsey moment?

That would probably have to be when I was announced the winner of the Beginner Children’s Hunter Classic at the Brighton NIHJA show last year. I won it on a horse named Charlemagne. We did not have Tuscany yet. There were a lot of people competing in that class which made winning it even more special. It was my first time winning a hunter classic. When I was told Tuscany was mine, it was also one of my favorite moments. I felt like I was the happiest person in the world.

Who is your biggest influence?

I have a few influences that have helped me become a better rider. My instructor Netta Schleden is definitely one of my greatest influences. She has helped me so much in my riding. She is the reason I am the rider that I am today. Grace Scheffler, another instructor, has also helped me because she is such a good rider and she is so much fun to be around. The other trainers Kim Lukecart and Bridget Orist have helped me as well. My fellow show team members are also huge influences. Tori, Lindsey, Shelby, Katie, Colleen, Chris, Joi, and more are all so understanding. They are all such good riders that they all push me to do better. I am so lucky to have barn members that are such influences.

What have horses taught you?

Horses have taught me patience and responsibility.

How do you help others enjoy horses?

I help at my barn tacking horses and taking care of them. I also help with birthday parties at my barn.

What year of school are you in?

I am a 7th grader at Twin Groves Middle School.