I believe that a serious athlete should seek out training and experiences that will maximize their potential.  About 4-5 years ago, I asked my current trainer to take me on as a student and to support my developing career, because I wanted more technical training in all aspects of riding, competing and horse ownership/care.  Since then, I’ve been the oldest member of her small show team, and in that role, I take on the most responsibility, spend at least 20-30 hours/week at the barn, pick up extra rides, help train, catch ride at shows and assist the few younger kids on our small team - including my little sister.  Having trained both internationally and domestically, my trainer specializes in sport horse development and sales, so we have access to many different horses - from very green ponies, to horses whose owners or riders are struggling with a technique or a behavior, to young or green hunters or jumpers who need training and a show record.  I have also developed a comprehensive understanding of different types of bitting, nutrition, supplements and what our horses need to feel good and perform well.  My education is unique because I have had to learn to adapt to lots of different horses and to be able to transfer skills and techniques to solve all kinds of different questions and problems. And, at shows, I am responsible for packing, tacking, bathing, mucking, ring management, independently learning courses and show prep for the horses whether or not they are on my list to compete that day.  

 

I am devoted to being a well-rounded equestrian athlete.  I have (gladly) traded other sports and a lot of social opportunities for the chance to develop a solid foundation through technical training, conditioning, endurance, nutrition, outside clinician assistance and diverse experiences.  My family has made equivalent investments in and will continue to support my equestrian career.  I hope they have the chance to support not just me, but also my new NCEA team in 2025 and beyond!  We are a family of exceptional, dedicated and loyal teammates!  Please enjoy the above video which gives you some insight into my daily life (and don’t skip the outtakes at the end)!

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Where do I see myself in 10 years?  As I child, I wanted to be an equine surgeon.  I started learning equine anatomy in books as soon as I could piece words together.  I took a virtual equine medicine class during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I have spent time shadowing and talking to the vets who care for our horses.  Over the years, my interest in science, anatomy and biology has also led me to consider human medicine as a future career path.  No matter what I decide to study, I plan to continue riding and competing as an adult while I navigate graduate school.  Horses and competition will always be part of my life.

 

What am I doing now?  Between September and November 2024, I will be primarily focused upon competing in the EMO USHJA Jump Seat Medal at the Capital Challenge, the USEF Dover Medal final, the NCEA Medal final and the 1.20 junior jumper division at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show and the ASPCA Maclay final at the National Horse Show.  After that, we will take a short breather before we hopefully spend some time competing in Ocala this winter.