From the time I was born I always had a love for animals. Horses really caught my eye when I was young and when I was four, I fell in love. My neighbor had horses and was part of the Sheriff’s Posse. I was first put on his horse before I could even walk. He told my parents to put me into English lessons so I could learn balance and I never left. I began riding a horse named Pocket that took me from walk trot to the 2’. Pocket taught me so much when I was young, however, she could not go any farther. I got my first pony when I was 10 and moved up year by year until we were at 2’6”. After some injuries he was not able to go as far as we had hoped.
I was 12 when we purchased my next horse, a Selle Francais. We began doing the 2’9” hunters. He was a lot for me to handle when we first got him, so he went to Stacie Goodson’s barn, Bay Yard Farms, for training. From then on, I stayed with Stacie and transitioned to home school. This allowed me to go out to the barn 6 days a week and go to several shows. I rode as many horses as I could so that I could learn more. My Eli was a mental basket case for a while. Everyone told me that there were more fish in the sea and that Eli would not be able to accomplish what I wanted. However, something told me this wasn’t right, and we persevered through his difficulties, to the point that we are now doing the 3’6” equitation. Eli has become a horse of a lifetime and has taught me more than I could ever dream of.
I am currently a junior at Laurel Springs High School. I enjoy my science classes with a possibility of going into the medical field. Strong grades have always been important to me as well as, being extremely immersed and dedicated to the equestrian sport.
I have always been a competitive person and one who continually pushes to do better and better. I am very passionate about finding the right team to ride for as an NCAA Equestrian. I believe I would be an asset to your team as I would help encourage the teammates. The equestrian sport has matured me and taught me patience that I am truly thankful for. I cannot wait to commit myself to my future team where we can cheer on our teammates through victories and help each other through losses. Horses and riding are a part of me and I hope I can continue it through the collegiate level.
~ Kiara LeMaire