Growing Through Horses and Giving Back

Addison is the kind of barn friend you immediately feel comfortable with—the kind of friend you feel like you’ve known forever. No matter your age at the barn, Addison is always there to say hello and make you feel welcome. Known for her resilience, kindness, and genuine love for horses, she is a wonderful role model for younger pony riders just beginning their journey. Whether she’s working toward her goals in the saddle or giving back to her community, Addison approaches everything with heart and determination. It’s clear that her passion for the sport—and the people in it—will continue to help her flourish for years to come.

I’m excited to introduce you to her through our Q&A series. Addison opens up about her riding journey, which hasn’t always been easy, but through resilience she has proven that she can work through life’s biggest obstacles. Not only does she show up for herself and her ponies—she shows up for her community. And that’s what truly makes Addison special.

1. How did you first get into riding?

I first got into riding when I was really little, around 2 years old, because my dad used to take me trail riding every Sunday. I loved it right away and always looked forward to going. When I was 6 years old, I started taking real lessons and began taking the sport more seriously. My parents leased me my first horse, and I began showing on the Arabian circuit. That’s when I knew I really loved riding and wanted to keep improving, learning, and growing.

2. Tell us about your ponies/horses.

Korey – I bought Korey, my purebred Arabian, at Sport Horse Nationals about a year ago. He is a real-life unicorn and a high-level dressage horse. I was looking for a grey, and he was the perfect match. I bought him as a stallion, and we had some growing pains, but once we got to know one another our bond has been amazing.

Alfie – My parents surprised me with Alfie in January. He is the cutest Dutch Warmblood pony who has the most amazing jump. I had always dreamed of learning how to be a jumper and going to Pony Finals. Alfie was the biggest blessing and is making all those dreams come true.

3. What’s been your proudest moment as a rider?

Winning my first National Championship in Hunt Seat Equitation at age 10. I had been hospitalized after a major surgery for eight weeks at Boston Children’s Hospital and was only able to practice for a few days before going in to compete. I was still very weak and not as prepared as I would have liked to be. I went into my class just happy to be back in the saddle, with no expectations, and came out Champion out of 26 riders.

‍4. What do you think you do best as a rider?

As a rider, I think I do my best at staying calm and connected with my horse. I’m good at really listening to what my horse needs and adjusting my riding to help them feel confident and comfortable. I also think one of my strengths is my equitation—I focus on having a strong, balanced position and riding correctly, not just getting around the course. I always try to improve, take feedback seriously, and give my best effort every time I ride.

5. What are some of your riding goals?

Some of my riding goals are to one day become a professional rider. I would also like to earn my Bronze Medal in dressage and one day jump in a 5-star Grand Prix. I want to keep improving my equitation so I have a really strong, balanced position and be able to ride different kinds of horses well.

6. Who inspires you most in the horse world?

I am really inspired by Brianne Goutal because she shows how important correct equitation is while riding. Her position is so balanced and effective, and it’s clear how much that has helped her be successful in the ring. Watching her reminds me that good equitation isn’t just about looking polished—it actually helps you communicate better with your horse and ride more accurately. She motivates me to focus on my own position and make an effort to ride correctly every time I’m in the saddle.

7. What advice would you give to younger riders or pony kids who are just starting out?

I would tell them that riding takes time. No one is perfect at the start. You might fall or make mistakes, and that’s OK—it’s part of learning. Never give up on your dreams and goals, and never let anybody tell you that you can’t do it.

8. What is your favorite feeling or moment in the saddle?

My favorite moments in the saddle are when I’m cantering to a jump, everything finally clicks, and it feels like my horse and I are thinking the same thing at the same time. Right before takeoff, there’s a split second where everything goes quiet, and I trust my horse completely as we fly over the jump together.

9. How do you make a difference in your community?

Getting involved with A Pony for Christmas has been such a meaningful way for me to give back to my community. I know how difficult it can be for children spending the holidays in the hospital, so being able to personally deliver the plush ponies to the hospitals and bring the kids a little bit of joy and comfort truly means a lot to me. It makes me grateful for what I have and reminds me how important it is to help others feel special during tough times. The smiles on the kids’ faces make it all worth it.

10. Who is your all-time favorite heart horse?

That’s such a special question, and honestly a hard one to answer. My first pony, Jazzy, carried me through some of the toughest times in my life, especially during difficult surgeries and scary moments in the hospital. She was always there waiting for me when I got home, like no time had passed at all, which meant everything to me. Because of that, I would have to say my all-time heart horse is Jazzy—my very first pony.