Event in which you compete: Show Jumping
Hometown: Upperville, Virginia, USA
Number of years riding: About 30 years, I started riding at around age three and started competing at age 10.
Career accomplishments to date:
- • In 1997, named the Leading Rider in the Samsung Nations Cup World
- • In 1997 honored by the U.S. Olympic Committee as their Female Equestrian Athlete of the Year and by the Virginia Horse Shows Association as their Horseperson of the Year
- • Represented the USET in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games (1st alternate)
- • Represented the USET in the 1999 Pan American Games in Winnipeg (Team Silver Medal)
- • 1998 World Equestrian Games in Rome (top-placed U.S. rider)
- • Grand Prix Wins: 41
- • Nations Cup Teams: 24
- • World Cup Finals: 5
How you got started in your event:I love animals. I used to have really bad allergies but my Mom would sneak me out to the barn so my Dad wouldn’t find out. I was hooked on horses at a very early age.
Favorite Ariat product: Monaco Field Boots and Show Coats (Monaco & Legacy)
Proudest career moment: Leading Rider & Leading Horse (Gustl P) – 1997 Samsung Nations Cup World Series
Tell us about your first horse: My first pony was a small pinto pony named Charlie. He would always jump really high over ground rails. He would never just step over them. After flying out of the tack a few times, I learned how to hang on tight.
You ride because: I love horses, being outdoors, and competing.
If you weren’t a professional rider, you would be a: Marine Biologist
Favorite mentor or idol growing up: Katie Prudent
Favorite place to travel: : Costa Rica
Name one fun fact that people don’t know about you: I love to cook.
Favorite way to unwind outside the barn: I enjoy hanging out with my husband and daughter.
Good luck charm: A belt that I always wear when I compete.