Our featured Junior Rider of the Month is Sophie Cluett-McDonald!
Sophies first introduction to Lancers was when we used to have summer camps. She loved it right away and never wanted to leave. Sophie had been on the waitlist for many years and was still waiting for a spot in the beginner course. During this time Sophie started riding at another barn until she finally got the call that there was a spot available. “I was so excited I don’t think I even slept that night. I haven’t looked back since that night and I am still so excited every single time I walk in that barn because everything just makes sense again when I am with my lancer family.”
Sophie leads with great examples of Lancer values, she is supportive and welcoming to everyone around her and enjoys being able to help others out. “One of my favorite memories at lancers is last year at the spring training show. I was sharing Oliver with two younger people ( Sydney and Keira) they were in the same class so the morning of it was a little hectic but so much fun, they were both so sweet and supportive of each other. This is definitely when my mom instincts kicked in and kinda just took them both under my wing. I always love to help out with the younger kids at training shows but these two hold a special place in my heart. Both Keira and Sydney did amazing and ended up placing well, I remember losing my voice from screaming so loud for both of them. Either way, it didn’t matter if they placed dead last or swept the class, I was so proud of them for all that they had accomplished that day.”
Over the last 7 years at Lancers Sophie has made many great friendships with both horses and other riders, she appreciates the community at Lancers and how everyone works together as a team. One relationship that stands out the most is with Oliver “He is just one of those horses that can do no wrong in my book, he has taught me so much the past three years and I will forever be grateful for all of the lessons I have learned from him. He got me through a lot of my hard times and never batted an eye when I needed to take a step back and think about focusing on myself to be a better rider for him.”
We have loved being able to watch Sophie grow as a rider and role model over the last several years. She embodies so many Lancer qualities and we look forward to seeing her apply in the coming years.
