United States Eventing Association

This is the 25th entry in the USEA’s Member Story Series. Help us reach our goal of over 300 stories – email your story to Leslie.

My name is Rebecca but most call me Becca. My mom was an event rider and she definitely passed the “horse blood” down to me. I got my first pony at four, my second at five, my third at eight, and so forth. I’m sure along this unpaved, winding road my poor dad thought, “how serious will this get?” I skipped football games, birthdays, and Friday night movies to be with my horses. I finished my homework on the bus or during other classes just to ride immediately when I got home. My first “real event” horse I bought as a four-year-old just before I started eighth grade. That lanky gelding ended up being the greatest thing I have ever had the pleasure of owning. He taught me patience, strength, and determination. We ran 20+ Preliminary events together and created a lifetime of memories.

Now I am 22-years-old and will graduate from nursing school this April. My current event partner is an upcoming 7-year-old off the track thoroughbred. Words can’t describe what an experience he has been. We are currently running Training with sights set on Preliminary in the fall. I have achieved my HA in pony club and plan to take him to my A within the next two years. Horses will forever be in my life. The road trips, the late night stall checks, the cross-country courses, the people I have met… all this and more has helped create the person I am today. Eventing defines me and my mounts inspire me. I am so thankful for my mom, my dad, and my coach. With out them, I couldn’t live this amazing life!

I always say to myself- Never ask anything of your horse if you’re not willing to work just as hard! Can’t wait to see what the future holds, but until then: sit up, shoulders back, and leg on!