From the moment I came into this world, my heart has been captivated by the enchanting world of animals. My journey with horses began at the age of 5, as I embarked on my equestrian adventure at Great Falls Equestrian Center. It was during that very first riding lesson that I discovered my profound affection for this sport and, in particular, the majestic horses that grace it.
As the years unfolded, my passion for riding blossomed. In 2018, I took my first steps into competitive riding on the Local Circuit. Remarkably, I swiftly ascended to the Child 3ft level, securing numerous division championships against seasoned professionals and earning respectable ribbons in the VHSA finals. 2021 marked the inception of my A-rated show circuit, an exciting journey embarked upon with my former mentor, Katie Huber.
However, in pursuit of furthering my equestrian career, I made a pivotal decision at the close of 2021 to change trainers and join forces with Pam Baker. The year 2023 saw me transitioning to Shadow Ridge under the guidance of Samantha Schaefer and Kate Conover, where I immersed myself in all three equestrian disciplines. I currently receive training from Samantha Schaefer and Kate Conover, whose expertise has been instrumental in my progress.
My equestrian accomplishments include being crowned the 2022 Zone 3 reserve champion in Large 3’3 juniors, clinching the title of 2023 Champion in Zone 3 Large 3’6 younger division, achieving qualification for every prestigious indoor competition in 2023, securing a top 10 national ranking in the 3.6 Large Youngers category, and earning notable placements at the 2023 Devon competition in the Large 3’6 Youngers division.
When I’m not in the arena, I diligently balance my passion for riding with my academic pursuits as a junior at Langley High School in McLean, VA. My commitment to education shines through in my unweighted GPA of 3.425, as well as my enrollment in challenging Honors and DE classes. Beyond academics, I relish spending cherished moments with my family and friends, all while actively participating in various school-related activities.
My aspirations extend beyond my current endeavors, as I am deeply motivated to ride at the collegiate level. This dream represents the culmination of the unwavering dedication and hard work I’ve invested in my equestrian journey thus far. I am fervently committed to finding the perfect university match that will allow me to ride for an NCAA Division I Equestrian Team. Equestrian sports have enriched my life by fostering maturity, teaching me patience, and instilling a robust work ethic. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to contribute my passion and dedication to my future team, as I continue to pursue excellence in both the arena and the classroom.
~ Brianna Cooper