“I had the privilege of training Brianna for several years, guiding her journey from the Children’s to Junior Hunters. From the very beginning, it was evident that Brianna possessed an innate talent for riding horses. What truly set her apart was her unwavering dedication and receptiveness to feedback, no matter how challenging or how many attempts it took to perfect her skills. As a result of her relentless commitment, she achieved remarkable success in the show ring, earning prestigious accolades at renowned competitions such as the Devon Horse Show and Junior Hunter Finals.
Beyond her remarkable achievements in the arena, Brianna exhibited exceptional sportsmanship and camaraderie within our barn community. She consistently supported and cheered on her fellow competitors, generously volunteering her time to school other horses, assist in setting up jumps, and ensuring their equipment was in order before they entered the ring.
Despite the demanding schedule of a dedicated equestrian, Brianna managed to strike a delicate balance between her equestrian pursuits and her academic responsibilities, riding at our barn 3-4 days a week. Her dedication was further exemplified by her lengthy commute of over an hour to our facility.
Brianna’s unwavering passion for our sport and her relentless pursuit of excellence lead me to believe that she possesses the fundamental qualities necessary for continued success in her equestrian journey. Her attitude and dedication are the cornerstones of her potential to achieve great heights in the world of equestrian sports.”
~ Pam Baker, 2023 Devon Horse Show Legend, https://pambakerllc.com/
“Brianna Cooper joined our team at Shadow Ridge in November of 2023 and really has been a great addition. During her time with us, I have seen her on many different horses, all of which she has quickly adjusted to. Whether the horse needs a soft and quiet ride or more of a strong and encouraging ride, Brianna has been able to adjust to both seamlessly. Brianna is very accurate when riding to a jump and has a great natural position and feel, and all the horses that I have put her on so far seem to really appreciate that.
As a former NCEA athlete and student coach, I know how important it is to be adaptable to different types and levels of horses. I am confident that Brianna’s natural ability and feel for the horses that she rides, combined with her extremely teachable attitude will make her excel on any team.
In addition to her natural talent, Brianna is a hard worker, both in and out of the saddle. She is always happy to pick up extra rides or work around the barn, and I think that this translates into her riding and show ring success. Outside of the ring, Brianna is also a passionate supporter of our other students and has quickly integrated into our existing group of junior riders. She is also very responsible and overall a pleasure to have in the barn. She shows up on time and is always prepared with her boots and equipment clean and tidy.
In short, Brianna has been a wonderful addition to our team here at Shadow Ridge and I am confident she will be a crucial asset on whatever team she ends up on. I am so happy that Brianna has chosen to this path and I can’t wait to follow and support her on this journey.
If you have any questions about Brianna, please do not hesitate to contact me via call or text.”
~ Samantha Schaefer, Trainer and Rider, Baylor University 2011-2015, [email protected], (410) 259-4377
“I started teaching Brianna at my mom and dad‘s Farm, Stoneridge Show Stables in Great Falls, Virginia when she was 12. She had just gotten her first horse and was ready to move up and start riding with me and going to the rated shows. I have been riding with Pam Baker since I was seven and still do. I teach a lot like her and get excited when I see natural talent and soft riding. So I couldn’t wait to start teaching her.
Brianna is a fabulous student and a very hard worker. I loved teaching her because she soaks up everything like a sponge and is always open to learning more. She was always at the barn if she wasn’t in school, always helping out with a smile on her face. She would ride as many ponies and horses as I would give her and loved doing the projects. She was able to learn how to change her ride to suit the horse, not the other way around. That is so hard for most kids to understand. Right away she was very successful at the rated shows and moved up to the 3-foot children’s after only four or five times doing 2’6.
As she progressed in her riding, I began giving her more responsibility at the barn. She was a great example to all the younger girls, and they all adored her. She took on the responsibility of pretty much being my assistant. She helped with teaching lots of beginners how to tack up and how to care for their ponies. After progressing further, I gave her more responsibility. As I was teaching one lesson in the ring, Brianna would start warming up the next lesson in the field. I believe teaching helps out your riding. If I was doing a group and one kid was having a lot of trouble with their pony, I would have Brianna get on the pony if needed then take them aside and work with them.
She did the same thing while she was at the shows. Brianna is a team player and would help and support all the other girls showing. She always had a great attitude and would help talk them through being scared or upset if things went wrong. She had so much maturity at such a young age. I could trust that she would tell them the right things like not to blame it on the pony, but to learn what to do, different. Also, Brianna loved the responsibility of helping out and she was always there. She was so dependable and we had so much fun with it!
After only one year doing the children’s, Brianna had worked so hard and was so passionate I thought she was ready to get the next horse that would take her to the juniors. I had Pam watch her and she was as excited as I had been when I first saw her! When Brianna was ready to move to the next step I had her come over to train with Pam. And I’ve had a lot of fun watching her learn and progress.
Brianna‘s next horse is very special and super talented but very sensitive and had to be ridden her way. Brianna is extremely patient and compassionate with her. That made her have a very successful year learning how to ride multiple horses and change her ride quickly to suit each one. That’s when she learned about the perfect communication you have to have between horse and rider.
Brianna will be such an asset to any school. She is a leader and a great example to others around her. Any college will be incredibly lucky to have Brianna because she has so many great qualities. Her leadership abilities are so natural. She will be able to bring any team together to support each other and lift each other.
It has been a privilege to work with her, and I believe in her! Because she will never stop, striving to be the best and help everyone around her be their best too!”
~ Katie Huber, Rider and Trainer @Pam Baker, LLC
“As a teacher for 11 years now, I’ve watched many types of students come through my classroom. Brianna Cooper is easily proving to be one to watch. Brianna has taken on a large responsibility by joining a new course, Teachers for Tomorrow. In this course, she will not only learn how to become a teacher, but she also will be putting her knowledge into practice in a 12-week internship in one of our local elementary schools, where I have no doubt she will inspire young minds.
Within my classroom, Brianna has shown growth in skills and confidence. Her communication skills–as witnessed through writings, spoken presentations, and more formative group work and discussions–have gotten stronger which in turn has helped her confidence soar. During her elementary conversations earlier this school year, Brianna’s work with various teachers in various grade levels and positions also led her to be more sure of herself and what she wants.
As a leader both within my class and the elementary settings with which she has engaged, Brianna has proven herself to be an exemplar for all others around her. I have no doubt she would make an excellent addition to any team she was to join. She is a wonderful addition to my classroom, and I am proud to recommend her.”
~ Christina Mitro, Teacher, Langley High School, McLean, VA