It still feels surreal to say that I competed at the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) National Championship for my second year, especially this year as the University of Lynchburg competed as a team for the first time in program history. Honestly, walking into the arena for the first time last year and again this year as a senior, I was hit with this wave of emotion: excitement, nerves, pride and even a little disbelief. Being there, knowing how hard my team and I had worked to get to that point, felt like a dream come true.
Nationals wasn’t just another horse show. It was the moment everything came full circle. The atmosphere at Nationals is hard to put into words. Everywhere I looked, there were incredibly talented riders from across the country. The energy was electric, and even though we were technically competing against each other, there was a shared understanding. That sense of mutual respect made the experience even more special.
Being Part of a Team
One of the biggest highlights for me was the feeling of team spirit. Even though you ride alone in the ring, Nationals made it feel like we were all in it together. Whether we were watching each other’s classes, helping each other get ready or just laughing in the stands, this constant support system reminded me why I love my team so much. It’s not about the points or ribbons; it’s about the people who’ve been with you through it all.
When it was finally my turn to ride in both Horseware Ireland Team Intermediate Equitation Over Fences and on the Flat, I remember standing at the in-gate with my heart pounding. I was nervous, but in the best way. I focused on my horse, took a deep breath and just tried to soak it all in. I settled into my nerves in the over-fences class and put in great work in the flat. I don’t remember every detail, but I do remember feeling proud: proud of how far I’ve come, proud to represent my team and proud to just be in that ring.
Personal Growth & Lasting Memories
But beyond Nationals, the whole experience of IHSA has meant so much to me. I had no idea how much I would grow—both as a rider and as a person. IHSA has challenged me in ways I never expected. It’s taught me how to ride unfamiliar horses with confidence, stay calm under pressure and adapt when situations don’t go as planned. There were definitely tough days—times I drew a tricky horse or felt like I let myself or my team down. But those moments taught me resilience. They taught me to keep showing up, keep learning and never to take a ride for granted. And when things went well, all the hard work was worth it.
Some of my favorite memories didn’t happen in the ring. They happened in the van rides to shows, during long days at the barn or while sitting on the floor of a hotel room sharing stories. It’s the little things that made this experience so special: the inside jokes, the pre-show pep talks and the quiet support from teammates. This team became a second family, which is something I’ll always carry with me.
I have to give a huge shoutout to our coaches. Without their support and belief in me and the team, none of this would’ve been possible. They pushed me when I needed it, encouraged me when I was down and celebrated every little win with me. Having someone who saw potential in me—sometimes even when I didn’t see it in myself—made all the difference. I’ll always be grateful for that kind of guidance.
Graduating With Confidence
As I get ready to graduate, I’ve been thinking a lot about what IHSA has given me. Yes, it gave me stronger riding skills and some pretty great ribbons. But more than that, it gave me confidence. It showed me what I’m capable of when I work hard and believe in myself. It gave me friendships I know will last long after college. And it gave me some of the best memories of my life. Competing at Nationals two years in a row felt like the perfect ending to this journey. It was the big moment—the final award—but also a reminder of how much I’ve grown since I started my journey. I’ll miss the shows, the horses and the team, but I know this isn’t really the end. IHSA will always be part of my story, and I’ll carry these lessons and memories wherever I go.
So, thank you, IHSA and Lynchburg, for the rides, the horses, the people and the chance to be part of something truly amazing. I would not have been able to come this far without any of this. Nationals was the cherry on top of an unforgettable experience, and I’ll forever cherish my time with my team.
Find out more information about the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association here.
Learn more about the 2025 IHSA National Championship here.
