Ever since I took my first lesson at the age of 3 at an old barn at the end of my street, I fell in love with these gentle giants. I had my first show at the age of 4 at the local farm and horse show. I remember the judge asking me questions about the names of parts of my saddle, and my reply was “did you know my trainer can walk, trot and canter?” That began my love for showing. For years now, my ultimate dream was showing at Medal Finals. I am beyond excited that my dreams for biq eq and simply qualifying for this finals have come true this year. Just to have the ability to say I competed at Maclay regionals, Dover Medal Finals, and NEEC Finals is truly a dream come true for me. It has also given me the confidence I need to become an even better rider by showing me that hard work really does pay off.
I’m currently a junior at High Point Regional High School. I am extremely focused on both my school work and my riding career. I spend mostly all of my summer at the barn, both riding and helping out. I would rather be at the barn than anywhere else. Being there most of the day, I watch lessons and get the opportunity to ride other horses for my trainers. I also make daytime and nighttime grain for the whole barn.
I’m 5’5” and weigh 134 pounds, I do weight room in school to help me stay in shape and focus on making my core and legs stronger. When I go to the barn, my trainers are confident enough in me to flat multiple horses per day. They leave me a list of horses to ride for that day. I consider myself very lucky to be able to ride such beautiful animals.
Having the opportunity to ride for a NCAA team would show me that all my blood, sweat, tears and hard work that I have put into this sport over the years have paid off. I have worked so hard to make my dream of becoming part of a college team come true. I am extremely lucky to have this sport in my life it, as it has taught me important life lessons and has helped to mature me. I am extremely grateful that the equestrian world has taught me how to work through my nervousness, lose with a smile on my face, learn from my mistakes and be independent. I’m so excited to commit to a future and learn and grow with new friends!
~ Kaitlyn Roman