Griot and Mozart ride high

Sophie Griot ('13) and her horse, Mozart, jump over the fence as practice for their horse shows.

For most, riding horses is a fun activity one might do on vacation, but for competitive equestrian Sophie Griot (’13), riding is much more.

Griot competes in horse shows on a regular basis and has participated in competitions with more than a thousand competitors. She rides in a category called the equitation division, which is a combination of “hunters” and “jumpers.” Together, the competitors of the equitation division are judged on the movement of the horse, the handling of the horse, the time on the course, and the number of faults they commit while doing so.

“I’m usually excited before a show. Sometimes I’m nervous if it’s a competition with more elite riders,” Griot said.

Griot has been riding horses since she was 5 years old and has been competing since she was 7 years old.

“Riding horses has been my passion since I was a little girl,” Griot said.

She has had her current horse, Mozart, for over a year. The 13-year-old horse stays at a barn in Lakewood called Starfire farm. To Griot, Mozart is “part of the family but my teammate at the same time.”

“I have to train five times a week and go through brutal workouts like any other sport,” Griot said.

Griot has ridden in a few major horseshows like Thermal, which is a six-week winter circuit in California. She participated in a showground school where she worked on the homework she was missing at CWA.

“It was definitely intimidating but a lot of fun and a really good experience,” Griot said.

Griot’s passion and dedication for horseback riding has become part of her life.

“I love being so dedicated to something and knowing that it is what I want to do for the rest of my life,” Griot said.

Griot’s dreams for the future are to participate in the Maclay Finals, a national competition held on the east coast. To qualify, a rider has to have enough points from previous competitions.

“It’s one of the most prestigious junior riding shows. It’s like winning “American Idol.” If you win, your career is set,” Griot said.

She also plans to head to the United States Equestrian Federation talent search and someday go to the Olympics.