Although I go to school in Boulder, my hometown is Highlands Ranch, CO. I am so blessed to have the most loving and selfless parents who have always been supportive of my horse hobby; from signing me up for summer horse camps when I was five years old, to teaching me financial responsibility so that I could buy my first horse at 11 years old. Throughout my life, I have found my passion in giving riding lessons, training horses, and showing horses in local western pleasure, English equitation, ranch riding, and gymkhana events. This last year, I even had the honor of competing in the Horseman’s Challenge at the National Western Stock Show, where I navigated obstacles with speed while still maintaining proper horsemanship. It’s truly been such a blessing to see my horse’s training pay off through numerous buckles and saddles won during my time showing. Currently, I am training my new barrel horse named Déjà Vu, showing my “finished” horse named Zipporah, and beginning to show and ‘polish’ my paint mare named Razzle-Dazzle.

While I have a strong desire to be active, my life took a turn when I was diagnosed with a rare neurologic condition that causes me to lose the use of my legs every 4-5 weeks for about a week. This has come as a colossal challenge and an ultimate change in lifestyle. I never imagined that I would have moments bound to a wheelchair, but without a shadow of a doubt, the Lord is good even when my circumstances are not. For the last three years, the weight of my wheelchair has been lifted by an adaptive saddle designed by Amberley Snyder and customized to my needs, so that I can still ride and compete whether I have use of my legs or not. Because of the support of my parents, the generosity of Amberley, and the grace of God, the word ‘impossible’ is not in my vocabulary.

I am so excited to meet you all at the 2024 Douglas County Fair & Rodeo! Come on down for a load of family fun whether it be at the carnival, ProRodeos, or relaxing with a funnel cake while listening to some live music. If you see my horses or me, please be sure and come say hello! I can’t wait to see you all there, July 26 – August 4!

My passion for horses started at age 12 when I taught myself how to ride at a trail riding facility in Englewood, Florida. After moving to Colorado eight years ago, I finally got my own horse and began taking lessons in western pleasure and then competing in horsemanship shows in 2019.  My sister and I competed through the buckle series at the Douglas County Fairgrounds and as a senior in High School, I participated in the 4-H horse project and won reserve grand champion in the western division.

Now a days, when I am not working on my horsemanship, I am working on my roping skills and plan to participate in breakaway roping competitions after my rodeo royalty duties are completed. In my next chapter, I also plan to continue my education and pursue my passion for animals and medicine by entering the veterinary field as a large animal veterinary technician.

The Douglas County Fair & Rodeo is right around the corner, and I am so excited to see you!  With 10 days of fun, there’s something for everyone, from The Marketplace for shopping, to the Exceptional Rodeo for the special needs kids and adults, to the Jr Livestock Sale, carnival rides, and let’s not forget the 4-H animals. Come down join us and enjoy all the fun for everyone, and make sure to stop by the stalls to meet our horses!

Horseback riding has taught me so much, but most importantly not to give up. I started riding at four and learning barrel racing at 6 years old and have loved it ever since. My horse, Copper is a 6-year-old chestnut. We have come such a long way in the two years that I have had him.  Our main competition is at Aurora Horseman’s Foundation shows where we won reserve champion in our class in 2022.

When I am not riding, you can probably find me on a volleyball court, where I have been playing since I was 8 years old. For the past two years I have played on my school’s team and last year with Panthers Volleyball Club, as well as their beach team. This year, I am excited to be playing club volleyball at 303 Volleyball Club and plan to play on a beach team again with my best friend!

I have been attending the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo for as long as I can remember. Rodeo and horses have always been a huge part of my life teaching me many lessons. The Douglas County Fair & Rodeo has something for everyone, whether you’re three years old or 100.  At the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo, our community is a big family, and Copper and I can’t wait to meet y’all! See you there!

My wonderful family is a huge blessing and they encourage me constantly along with an amazing support system of friends in the “horse arena” who have taught me how to barrel race and the importance of horsemanship. I hope to be an Equine Rehab Specialist and professional barrel racer when I grow up. Barrel racing is my passion and I love learning all that I can about horses. My equine partners are Beau, who is my handsome royalty horse; and Maverick, who is my amazing barrel horse. Beau, Maverick and I look forward to riding for the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo brand with integrity, joy, and all the Western values that are held close to my heart!