1.) What are some of the highlights and successful moments in the 2015 show season for you?
Winning Reserve Champion in the PB Hunter Seat Equitation NTJ 14-18 at Youth Nationals
Winning Champion in the HA/AA Working Hunter JTR 18& under at Youth Nationals
Winning Champion in the Hunter Seat Equitation Over Fences at Youth Nationals
The horse that I won the two champions on I’ve had for about five years, and every year I go to Youth and Regionals and local shows, but I hadn’t achieved any National championships on him in jumping. I have done well enough to have a multitude of top tens and a reserve championship on the Equitation on the flat in 2013. This made this year so impactful because I was able to win not one but two championships on him.
2.) Who has been your biggest influence in the Arabian breed in getting you to where you are today?
Mr. and Mrs. Ricci and Stephanie Desiderio, my trainers. They always push me to new lengths in my training before and during the shows, and they help me to get out of my own head (this tends to be one of my weaknesses because I overthink things). Without them, I wouldn’t be as strong as I am today and have had the opportunities to attend so many shows.
3.) If someone were to describe you, what would they say about you?
I don’t really like talking about myself, but I know how I try to be perceived by people. I always push myself and I try to show people that I am hard working. I do my best to be caring and intelligent. I always apply myself to the best of my ability to achieve my goals, and that I keep trying. But I’m not perfect. I tend to get nervous and overthink things. I am an awkward person, and I think that is one of the reasons why I’ve connected so much with horseback riding. I don’t have to be insecure about being awkward when I’m around my horse.
4.) Name one show ring quirk you have:
I chew the finger tips of my gloves when I’m nervous in the line up.