Equestrian Career

Horses have been a central part of my life from a young age. Born in Minnesota, I was introduced to riding by my mother and, after moving to Colorado at age four, spent much of my childhood surrounded by horses. I began formal riding lessons at ten in Black Forest, CO, and quickly developed a passion for competition. My early years saw me advancing through beginner divisions, eventually reaching the national stage by age 13, where I competed in the National Pony Finals. This early success fueled my ambitions, pushing me to seek top-level competition and coaching.

As I sought to elevate my career, I moved to train and compete on the East Coast, where the most prestigious equestrian events and trainers are located. In 2018, I traveled to Wellington, FL, the heart of the elite showjumping world, and began training with Katie Prudent, a World Champion showjumper. Katie introduced me to the jumper division, which intensely focuses on speed and agility and a significant shift from the precision-based equitation and hunter divisions. Katie’s mentorship opened my eyes to the demands and rewards of high-level competition.

Katie introduced me to a renowned equitation trainer, Stacia Madden, to complement my jumper training. I trained with Katie and Stacia concurrently for four years, honing my skills in equitation and jumpers. Under their guidance, I achieved notable success in the junior ranks, including victories at the Maclay Equitation Finals and the WIHS Equitation Final. Training under two of the sport’s finest coaches sharpened my competitive edge and provided me with invaluable life skills and discipline.

Upon completing my junior career, I continued my journey by working directly with my mentors. I spent three months working under Katie, further refining my knowledge of the jumper world. Then, I transitioned to working with Stacia for four months, where I deepened my understanding of equitation and the intricacies of training. This work experience allowed me to grow as a rider and a future business owner.

Currently, I’ve had the privilege of working with Leslie Burr Howard, an Olympic gold medalist and highly respected horsewoman. Leslie’s mentorship has guided me through the foundations of coaching and managing a successful equestrian business.

Today, as I strive to represent the United States in international show jumping, I am grateful for the opportunities to train with such accomplished mentors. Their guidance has shaped me into the rider and individual I am today, and I look forward to continuing my journey at the highest levels of the sport.