“Where to start in describing a truly lovely, young lady who has been riding with you for almost 10 years… Since Sophia started riding with me at the age of 7 she has ALWAYS had a smile on her face. We would all laugh that whether she was winning the class, getting taken off with or had a fall, the smile was there. Many would ask me “does she always have a smile on her face?” That is probably one of the best descriptions of her.
Sophia has been my most confident, tenacious and determined young rider in my over 30 years as a professional. She NEVER complains and when she believes she can redo a part of the lesson better, she asks me if she can “do it again” but yet knows when it’s time to call it a day for the benefit of her horse and pick it up another day. Another wonderful attribute of Sophia as a student is her ability to listen, take directions and asks questions when appropriate. She strives for perfection and never quits.
She truly loves the sport, the horses and the competition. You will so often hear her tell her teammates and those she’s competing with as she enters or leaves the ring “good luck”, “have a nice lesson” or “good round”. She is a great role model to both the younger and the older riders in our barn and they all love her, look up to her and respect her. She would be a wonderful asset to any team and I will be truly heartbroken the day she leaves…
It has been my pleasure to watch her grow and have the opportunity I have been given to mold her in to the rider I have seen her become. To watch her over these many years advance her riding and become the strong and confident rider she is, being able to perform on so many ponies and horse, has truly been a blessing and I am looking forward to following her future with the fortunate people who continue with her.”
~ Peggy Thorndyke; Tulocay Farm
“I have known Sophia for almost two years. I had her current Junior Hunter in my barn as a young horse. Sophia, with the guidance of her trainer, Peggy Thorndyke, purchased the talented youngster. I have been lucky to partake in their journey from the Children’s Hunter division to the Junior Hunter 3’3. I have watched Sophia quickly advance from the 2’6 to 3’3
divisions.
Horses love her, they try their best for her. One of Sophia’s biggest attributes is that she is so teachable, like a sponge. You explain something, where she had a weakness, she will go right back in and perfect it. Between her amazing skills at applying the words of her instructors to each of her rides and her trust that brings out the best in each animal, she would be a fantastic addition to any riding team.”
~ Molly Sewell; Molly Sewell LLC; Wellington, FL
“I have had the pleasure of knowing and coaching Sophia Masnikoff. She has been an integral part of the American Heritage Equestrian Team. Her dedication to the team and commitment to responsibility has earned her the position of Co-Captain. She is an excellent role model for the younger team members and an exceptional rider.”
~ Jackie George; Coach, American Heritage Equestrian
“Sophia Masnikoff is an intelligent, calm, kind and humble young woman. During this past year, I have witnessed Sophia’s academic success, as well as her social and emotional growth.
Last year Sophia started in the Pre-Law Program a bit tentative, although her academic goals were always met. This year, the academic goals expanded to include critical thinking and legal writing. Sophia has been able to complete complex legal analysis both in writing and verbally, as well as take part in class participation in the form of the Socratic method.
Sophia is generally quiet and reserved, yet not afraid to express her opinion in class. She enters discussions and contributes her opinions, even if it is not the popular view. Sophia enriches a classroom discussion with her viewpoint, which is reflected in her opinions and thoughts.
Moreover, Sophia is involved in various non academic activities within the American Heritage School. As a member of the Pre-Law Society, Sophia actively participates in the meetings, and other activities within the organization. I have daily opportunities to observe Sophia interact with her peers. She is embraced and respected by her friends. She is kind and inclusive of others, while maintaining a high level of self-sufficiency and independence. Lastly, she has a witty sense of humor, which suits her beautifully.
I genuinely enjoy teaching Sophia. She is emotionally mature, very kind and cooperates very well with her peers. She successfully manages her academics and other facets of her life with discipline, self-motivation and determination.
It has been a pleasure to have this opportunity to write this letter. Thank you.”
~ Ani Majuni Porter, ESQ; Director of the Pre-Law Program, American Heritage School – Palm Beach County