From a young age I have always had an obsession for horses. When I was 4 ½ my grandma who had grown up with two horses began searching for a barn which would give me lessons. Finally, we found a trainer who reluctantly agreed to give me lessons at 4 ½ but continued when my dedication became apparent. Throughout the years my passion for horses and the sport has tremendously grown. I began competing at local shows around the age of 6 on a lesson horse named Prince. Unfortunately, my first trainer moved away but I was able to find another trainer where I continued showing on my new lease horse Bandit. There I began showing over fences and at more shows. When I was in 6th grade my dad’s job relocated us to Boston where I leased a horse named Chloe, we showed in the 2’6-2’9 hunters. Luckily, after a year my dad was able to be transferred back to Florida where I returned to the same barn starting over with a new trainer as the ownership of the barn had changed. To further my riding career, I also took up lessons with another barn where I rode/showed many horses. During these years I leased three different horses. I competed in hunters, jumpers and the equitation. I rode at both barns for the next couple years while playing volleyball for my school and on a club team as well as my schools golf team and their varsity softball team. I loved all these sports but decided to quit to reach my goals in riding. I moved to a barn in which I did a year lease on a horse named Cody, I also joined a local IEA team. I did my first rated show on Cody and had a very successful year earning many Champion and Reserve Champion ribbons. Unfortunately, though I loved the environment and the training at this barn I decided to move to another barn to be surrounded by riders my age. At this barn I leased a very sweet jumper named Clara and began learning the equitation together. We ended up having a very successful year resulting in us showing at Capital Challenge in the age group and Jumping Seat Medal finals. After a year in the 3’-3’6 division and medals along with my third year in IEA I continued to show my dedication to these animals. For my last two junior years we bought a six-year-old Belgian Warmblood, Proxima Centauri SCF. For my last two years I plan on qualifying for jumping seat finals, Dover finals, Maclay finals, WIHS finals, junior hunter finals and finishing up my final year qualifying for USET finals.
I am a current junior at Osceola Fundamental High School and have been a part of two honor societies and am also enrolled in many AP and advanced classes. I enjoy spending time with my friends, family and animals, I am very into school spirit, and I also have a passion for singing and acting. I was even part of BAPA (Bay Area performing arts) which was an auditioned group of singers and actors. I also take pride in my school clubs, the PAWS club (Pet and Animal Welfare Squad) and the Best Buddies club which is a club that creates friendships with students with developmental disabilities.
I have always had big dreams when it comes to this sport including being a part of a Collegiate equestrian team. My parents and I have devoted many years to this sport, and I would love to be able to continue it while getting a great education. It would be a dream come true to be a part of a NCAA Equestrian Team. I am so thankful for all the experiences I have received and the chances I have been offered to help me grow both as a person and in the sport I love. I have learned very much, I have become braver, I have become a stronger person and a better listener. I am so blessed to have such a supportive family; I am truly so thankful for everything they have done and sacrificed to help make my dreams come true. I cannot wait to commit myself to my future team!
~Brooke Borges