Growing up around horses I believe is what truly sparked my love for them. When I was younger, I tried other things such as lacrosse, Dance, Swim and gymnastics nothing really stuck with me the way going to the barn everyday single day did. My mother had horses, so I had been riding since I was about 13 months. Once I was around 5 that is when I began showing, I started with the pony hunter division and won short stirrup medal finals at Downeast medal finals and ended up attending USEF pony finals in 2021 on my green large that I started. In following years I competed in all 3 rings though mainly focusing on Equation. I currently train with Kristi Smith at Cedar Brook Farm in Madison Connecticut. Some of my Highlights include:
● 2025 5th place at MHC Junior Medal finals
● Qualified and attended 2024 & 2025 NEHC Junior Medal finals
● 2025 1st place USHJA Hunt seat Medal at Next venture
● 2025 3rd place Mini Maclay At Hits Saugerties
I am going into my senior year (class of 2027) at Triton Regional High School in Byfield, Massachusetts. I’d like to major in business focusing on the horse business among other things. I work at a restaurant hosting about 2-3 nights per week, as well as a landscaping business where i maintain plants about 2-3 mornings a week during the summer. Then I close the barn every Sunday. As well as taking care and riding my own horses every day.
Being able to ride at the collegiate level would mean so much to me because it reflects all of the time, effort, and dedication I’ve put into riding throughout my life. Equestrian sports have shaped who I am, and I’m really passionate about finding a university where I can continue riding and be part of an NCEA team. Through this sport, I’ve grown not only as a rider but as a person, learning patience, responsibility, and a strong work ethic that I carry into everything I do. I’m truly grateful for everything riding has given me.
~ Willa Lyons