I fell in love with riding when I was about 7 years old, after I went on vacation to Banff, Canada, and went on a trail ride. Shortly after that, I started taking riding lessons. I currently train with Val Renihan to improve my skills and to become successful in the Big Eq.
In 2022, I finished as the Highest Placing Zone 4 rider in The USHJA 3’3″ Hunter Seat Medal Finals while riding Handsome DD. I finished 7th out of 95 overall in 2022 USHJA 3’3 Hunter Seat Medal Finals in Springfield, Mass. I qualified and competed in the NHS/Hamel Foundation Medal Finals in 2022.
My Hunter Horse, Heartdancer H, finished as Zone 4 Horse of the Year Champion for Small Junior Hunter 3’3″ 16-17. At Junior Hunter Finals in 2022, I was 9th overall in the Large Junior Hunter 3’3″ 16-17 division and 15th overall in the Small Junior Hunter 3’3″ 16-17 division. I was Reserve Champion in Small Junior Hunter’s 3’3″ 16-17 at the 2022 Pennsylvania National Horse Show. At 2022 Capital Challenge, I finished 4th and 7th with Heartdancer H in Junior Hunter 3″3″ 15-17. I finished 3rd and 6th Place at the National Horse Show in Lexington in Junior Hunter 3’3″ 16-17.
For 2023, I have already qualified for USHJA Jumping Seat Medal Finals, Gladstone Cup, and Junior Hunter Finals (Small Junior Hunter 3’3″ 16-17). I am working on qualifying for Maclay Finals and USEF Medal. I am also captain of the American Heritage School IEA Team, coached by Jackie George.
I’m a junior (Class of 2024) at American Heritage School Palm Beach in Delray, FL. My GPA is currently at 5.444 (weighted) and I take both Honors and AP Classes. I have already taken the SAT and scored 1460. At school, I am part of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Pre-Law Society, and I used to play Varsity Softball. I currently compete for FBLA and have qualified for State competition in my first two years competing.
Besides competing with my three horses in Equitation, Hunter, and Jumper classes, I have attended several college equestrian camps and have gotten the opportunity to ride all kinds of different horses. Between my current trainer and riding on an IEA team, I will continue to have even more opportunities to ride many different beautiful animals.
My main goal is to ride for a NCEA Division I Equestrian Team. The equestrian sport has taught me so much throughout the years such as a strong work ethic, maturity, and how to take the good with the bad. I look forward to competing for an Equestrian Team at the highest level and improving my riding skills.
~ Sophia Masnikoff