My equestrian career began funnily enough at a 4th of July block party, when a family friend and neighbor offered me and my sister six horseback riding lessons. I’d never even met a horse, but this felt like the perfect opportunity to meet and engage with my favorite animal. So, at age four, I began a journey that quickly would alter my life. I started lessoning with Freddie and Jodi Vazquez of Messenger Hill Farm, and have trained with them ever since. Horses have been a source of safety, comfort, and happiness to me since the very beginning.
My competition highlights this year include placing third overall at National Junior Hunter Finals, earning top ribbons at Devon, and qualifying for USET Finals, Capital Challenge, PNHS, WIHS, NHS, and Dover and Maclay Finals. Prior to this, I qualified for Junior Hunter Finals two years in a row on multiple mounts, for Hamel and USHJA Jumping Seat Finals two years in a row, for WIHS Children’s Jumper Finals on two horses my first year competing in jumpers, and Children’s Young Riders. I also have been Champion and Reserve Champion in all three disciplines at WEF, as well as other highly prestigious shows.
I’m currently a rising junior at Wellington Preparatory School One-to-One Academy in Wellington, FL. I take my academics very seriously, and have an unweighted 3.98 GPA (Wellington Prep does not use a weighted grading scale). As a freshman, I took 4 honors classes, 4 as a sophomore, and am taking 3 honors classes and 2 advanced placement courses (along with a few electives) as a junior. I’ve devoted most of my life to riding and intend to become a professional. When I am not riding, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, focusing on academics, teaching and working at the barn, volunteering for various charitable organizations and initiatives, and writing.
I believe riding in college would be a wonderful opportunity for me to continue to develop my skills and knowledge, while simultaneously focusing on my education. It also would be another fantastic opportunity to become part of a community that shares the same love I have for horses. I am extremely dedicated to finding the right university, one that will consider me as a candidate for its Division I Equestrian Team. Riding has given me an incredible work ethic, and I plan to use it not only in college, but also for the rest of my life. I’m truly excited to become part of a team of the nation’s best riders. My goal is to give horses as much joy as they’ve brought me, and I hope to dedicate my life to them.
~ Elodie Watrous