About SophieEarly Career
Sophie's passion and love of horses began at a very young age. After riding a horse for the first time at 2 years old, Sophie's goals to spend her life with horses and ride at the highest levels of the sport have only grown since then. Her riding career began in Alaska where she gained her horsemanship background through the United States Pony Club and local shows. Sophie, with the help of her parents, was able to ride, participate in clinics, and compete in dressage, hunters, and jumpers while living in Alaska. She learned to get tough and brave the elements to ride and care for her horses at a very young age. It was because of pony club that Sophie caught the 'eventing bug.' She was able to spend the summer of 2012 training and competing in Washington and Oregon. She worked for Grand Prix dressage rider Jessica Wisdom in Ridgefield, Washington and event trainer Linda Chatfield in Oak Harbor, Washington. From there, Sophie was hooked. The following spring Sophie packed up her horses and left Alaska for good, her spirit for new adventures and challenges would only continue to grow from there. Eventing and Training in Washington Throughout high school, Sophie continued riding, competing, and working for Jessica Wisdom. She gained insight into Jessica's successful sales program and was able to learn about that side of the equestrian industry. She was also fortunate to ride many horses in Jessica's barn, learning the feel of riding many different types of horses and how to quickly assess and improve each one. She also trained with eventing instructors including John Camlin, Anne Carr, Anna Collier, and Kevin Freeman. Sophie balanced her riding with schoolwork and being team captain for both varsity track and cross-country. She strived to be an excellent leader and teammate, traits that she hoped would translate to her relationships with her horses and peers. Despite her numerous activities, Sophie was driven to show detailed dedication to each of them. In 2016, Sophie graduated top of her class with a 4.0 GPA and Associates of Arts Degree from Clark Community College. |
Uptown Lady "Sprinkles" after her Third Level Test 3 Debut
It was all hugs and carrots for Weissage after their winning ride in the Open Third Level Regional Championships in 2018
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Transition to Aiken, South Carolina
When it came time for college, Sophie wanted to get her degree in Business Administration from a school that would also help her achieve her riding goals; this brought her to Aiken. Knowing only one person when she moved to town, bringing two horses with her, and starting college was a huge transition and Sophie truly believes that the tight knit horse community of Aiken is what has helped her be successful here. During her three years of college at the University of South Carolina Aiken, Sophie was able to accomplish many things in both her riding and academic career. Sophie spent nearly a year as a working student for FEI 5* event rider and Grand Prix Show Jumper, Doug Payne, while also attending classes. She was able to learn the ins and outs of operating a barn and riding at that elite level, not to mention getting to improve her own riding through her lessons.
Balancing Dressage, Eventing, and College
During this working student position, Sophie also worked with her own horse, Uptown Lady "Sprinkles," to earn her USDF Bronze Medal. Sophie was also offered the opportunity to ride with international dressage rider, Shawna Harding, who graciously allowed her to ride and compete the beautiful mare, 'Weissage.' Together they achieved Sophie's USDF Silver Medal, had wins at the FEI Prix St. Georges level with scores up to 68%, were the Open Third Level Regional Champions in 2018 and were third in the Open Fourth Level Regional Championships with a 68%. In working with eventing trainers and owners Jessica Schultz, Lara Anderson, and Simon Eades, Sophie has also been able to continue eventing and competing in the jumpers with several lovely OTTBs.
Sophie is beyond grateful for the opportunities that she has been afforded since her transition to Aiken, looking back it is hard to believe all that has happened. To be surrounded by the top professionals in the sport and to be in the heart of the eventing community at such a young age has been not only educational but also inspiring. In May 2019, Sophie graduated from USC Aiken with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in management with Summa Cum Laude honors.
Looking to the Future
Sophie believes that these accomplishments mean little when compared to the people she has met and the relationships she has developed in the past years. None of her success would be possible without the continued unwavering support of her parents, family, and friends. She wants to thank her trainers for their continued dedication to her riding and horsemanship. She would also like to thank the owners and clients she has connected with who have not only continued to keep her actively riding and competing, but who have shown such kindness and support through the ups and downs of this sport and life.
Sophie is looking forward to this next chapter with Denali Equestrian. As riders, trainers, and horse-lovers there is always so much to learn, grow, and improve. By operating this business, working hard, and always remembering that there is more to learn, Sophie believes that by immersing herself in this sport and by surrounding herself with some of the best people in the industry, she will be able to accomplish her riding goals in the future.
When it came time for college, Sophie wanted to get her degree in Business Administration from a school that would also help her achieve her riding goals; this brought her to Aiken. Knowing only one person when she moved to town, bringing two horses with her, and starting college was a huge transition and Sophie truly believes that the tight knit horse community of Aiken is what has helped her be successful here. During her three years of college at the University of South Carolina Aiken, Sophie was able to accomplish many things in both her riding and academic career. Sophie spent nearly a year as a working student for FEI 5* event rider and Grand Prix Show Jumper, Doug Payne, while also attending classes. She was able to learn the ins and outs of operating a barn and riding at that elite level, not to mention getting to improve her own riding through her lessons.
Balancing Dressage, Eventing, and College
During this working student position, Sophie also worked with her own horse, Uptown Lady "Sprinkles," to earn her USDF Bronze Medal. Sophie was also offered the opportunity to ride with international dressage rider, Shawna Harding, who graciously allowed her to ride and compete the beautiful mare, 'Weissage.' Together they achieved Sophie's USDF Silver Medal, had wins at the FEI Prix St. Georges level with scores up to 68%, were the Open Third Level Regional Champions in 2018 and were third in the Open Fourth Level Regional Championships with a 68%. In working with eventing trainers and owners Jessica Schultz, Lara Anderson, and Simon Eades, Sophie has also been able to continue eventing and competing in the jumpers with several lovely OTTBs.
Sophie is beyond grateful for the opportunities that she has been afforded since her transition to Aiken, looking back it is hard to believe all that has happened. To be surrounded by the top professionals in the sport and to be in the heart of the eventing community at such a young age has been not only educational but also inspiring. In May 2019, Sophie graduated from USC Aiken with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in management with Summa Cum Laude honors.
Looking to the Future
Sophie believes that these accomplishments mean little when compared to the people she has met and the relationships she has developed in the past years. None of her success would be possible without the continued unwavering support of her parents, family, and friends. She wants to thank her trainers for their continued dedication to her riding and horsemanship. She would also like to thank the owners and clients she has connected with who have not only continued to keep her actively riding and competing, but who have shown such kindness and support through the ups and downs of this sport and life.
Sophie is looking forward to this next chapter with Denali Equestrian. As riders, trainers, and horse-lovers there is always so much to learn, grow, and improve. By operating this business, working hard, and always remembering that there is more to learn, Sophie believes that by immersing herself in this sport and by surrounding herself with some of the best people in the industry, she will be able to accomplish her riding goals in the future.