The smell of popcorn and hay drifting through the air marks the journey of a lifetime. Kids screaming from nearby rides and the bellowing voice of an auctioneer. The first time I set my eyes on the pony rides at the county fair was where it all began. I loved the smell, touch, and nature of the horse and have been infatuated ever since. As a kid, I was not a pony rider. My first horse was an off the track 17 hand thoroughbred we rescued. My goal was to train him and turn him into my future jumping horse. At the rightful age of seven I was galloping my retired racehorse through the grass fields of the Santa Monica mountains and ever since then the air that flows through the horse’s ears continues to motivate me to work harder. At the first horse show I ever competed in I was champion in the Short Stirrup Division. Shortly after that I was taking my skills to the jumper level. Riding between the jumper and equitation ring has developed me into a very versatile rider who loves both rings. I have not only learned how to ride fast and accurately, but I also learned how to apply the accuracy and precision of jumpers into my equitation rounds.
I am currently training with the Olympic trainer, Mark Watring, in Hidden Valley California. Mark Watring is currently on track to compete in the 2028 Olympics. Training under such a talented trainer for so many years, I have learned how much hard work and pure dedication it takes to be successful in this sport. My competition highlights include qualifying for USHJA Marshall and Sterling Championships two consecutive years in a row, 2021-2022 IEL Reserve Champion Varsity Equitation Rider of the year, two time qualifier for the Interscholastic Equestrian League Horsemanship Medal Finals, and 2019-2020 Freshman Jumper Rider of the year out of 98 people.
I am currently a junior at Hillcrest Christian High School in Thousand Oaks California and it is my goal to excel in my academic performance. I maintain a 4.3 GPA and enrolled in all Honors and AP classes. When I am not in the show ring I enjoy playing on my school’s girls flag football team as quarterback. It’s a great opportunity to cross train and play in a team sport. I like to participate in student government and leadership. I am very passionate about helping my community and I never hesitate at an opportunity to give back to the people who need it most.
Most of all, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and good food.
Ever since I started riding horses competitively I always had a desire to be on an equestrian team. When I started high school I discovered that Women’s Equestrian is a NCAA Division 1 sport. Once I learned about the opportunity to ride in college at this level it has been my goal to take my riding to the next level. I have worked on developing my riding skills over the past two years to help prepare me for a Division 1 Equestrian Team. The equestrian sport has taught me skills I could never learn from any other sport. Patience, precision, responsibility, and most importantly grit! I am very competitive and focused in the ring. I also have enough experience to know not all show rounds are blue ribbon winners, but there is always immense learning that comes with every ride. My relationship with the horses I ride is one with respect,
confidence, and pure dedication to these majestic animals I am so lucky to ride. I believe on the toughest of competition days how you handle difficult rides helps shape you as a rider and a person. I cannot wait to commit myself to a future team! I believe I would contribute greatly to the success of a Division 1 College Team. Thank you for your consideration.
~ Brianna Marks