As long as I can remember, I have always been surrounded by horses. In the second grade, I had a friend who lived on a farm. I remember begging my mom to take me to her house to get the chance to see her horses. As soon as I spent time with them, I knew I wanted to dedicate myself to these animals. Shortly after, I approached my parents and asked them to start riding lessons. To my parents’ credit, they did everything they could to dissuade me from the horse world. They put me into almost every sport possible, hoping I would like something without the cost barrier of riding. But, they could not keep me away from horses. They decided to compromise and put me into vaulting lessons. However, I was drawn to the Hunter Jumper world. I spent hours watching Olympic show jumpers like McLain Ward and Beezie Madden and was amazed at how the rider and horse worked together to maneuver over the fences so effortlessly. I knew I wanted to jump. I started jumping lessons at my local riding academy in Woodside, California. It was when I moved to my first A Circuit barn – Windy Hill Equestrian – that I finally had the chance to compete in the Hunters with my first horse Libby. I went on to ride at several show barns before I started riding with Matt Sereni at Sterling View Farm. With his guidance and drive for perfection, I have competed in the PCHA 14 and Under Finals, CPHA Foundation Finals, and compete every year on the Thermal Circuit. After much dedication, I am now competing in Junior Hunter Finals 3’6” this summer along with USHJA Hunter Seat Finals and Hamel Medal Finals in the fall.
I am a rising Junior at Saratoga High School in Saratoga, California. When I am not riding horses I like to focus on my academics, spend time with friends and family, and pursue my love for interior design. I maintain a non-weighted 3.8 GPA. I am currently considering majoring in design or marketing. I enjoy coming up with a plan that works for everyone and helping their visions come to life.
I am committed to a career in the horse world, and riding at a collegiate level will allow me to continue to develop both my riding and horsemanship skills. I cannot imagine anything better than training with people who all have the same drive and commitment to this sport that I do and would be equally excited to get up early to muck the stalls. I would excel at NCEA riding because of the grit, determination and resilience I bring to the sport. I cherish my connection with horses and the little victories that happen every day. However, I always take the opportunity to improve on my mistakes. Whether it is 100 degrees outside, pouring rain, or fiercely windy at Medal Finals, I always come out with the same positive attitude. Lastly, I am confident in my ability to build a partnership with every horse. I am grateful for every opportunity I get in this sport, every horse I work with, and every person I have the privilege to meet.
~ Kyra Eno