I first rode a horse when I was about five years old while visiting my great aunt. A few rides on that saintly, 30 year old, ex-eventor and I was hooked. Like so many other kids, I begged my mom to let me take lessons and ride in summer camps. It was a long wait to turn six when I could finally ride at horse camp for a whole week. Naturally, horse camp was just the start, lessons followed. I was a lesson kid for several years and knew that this sport was my passion.
COVID-19, was a bit of a blessing in disguise in regards to my riding. By that time I could ride any of the lesson ponies and had a really good working relationship with my barn. I could always go out and take lessons, hack the ponies, help with the barn chores, and so on. I also had the opportunity to join an IEA team as an introduction to regional showing and had an amazing experience and qualified for the regional and zone competition. I began riding much more often and while everything else seemed to be shut down, the barn was a place that I could grow and improve as a person and rider. I loved being on a team where I could make new friends all while improving by learning how to ride a diverse group of horses.
Moving from IEA, I began showing in the Hunters and Equitation at larger shows in Oregon and Washington with quite a bit of success. Even though the Pacific Northwest doesn’t have the same show circuit as other regions, I am committed to making the best of every opportunity I am given and working hard to maximize the success of the partnership between myself and my horse.
I believe that riding on a collegiate equestrian team will push me as a rider and fulfill my love for riding many different horses. When I am not at the barn, I am deeply committed to my academic pursuits and classes at South Eugene High School where I am a full IB, French immersion and child development career/technical education student. In addition to that, I am an incredibly hardworking person that is committed to being a productive and helpful part of any team I am a part of.
Lilian “Lilly” Sponberg