I remember at just four years old begging my mom to let me ride a pony. When I finally got to take my first lesson I couldn’t have been more excited. Since that day my love for horses has only grown. During my riding career, I have had the opportunity to ride all types of horses with different experience levels. I rode at Willowbend Farm in Maryland for 11 years with my coaches Laura Johnson and Emily Merkel and that’s where I discovered my love of riding. As a kid, I mostly did small schooling or “pre-team” competitions on familiar school horses. Starting in 6th grade I joined my barn’s IEA team.
I have fallen in love with IEA, and I have loved being on a team and getting the opportunity to ride all different types of horses through the years. As I have grown up I have also really enjoyed riding “greener” horses with less experience and learning along with them. During the Summer of 2023, I was given the opportunity to take one of our green horses, Paisley off-property. It was only Paisley’s second time showing and we were able to explore the Green Hunter and Jumper world together.
My coach Laura passed away suddenly in April 2023 and it was one of the most significant events of my life. When I lost Laura my life came crashing down on me, along with losing Laura we also lost her family barn and most of the horses by September. I had a really hard time losing Laura and I had to allow myself time to grieve. But Laura wouldn’t be okay with me sitting out too long. She would want me to get back up on the horse right away. So I have gotten back up and in September I joined the high school Southbreeze Equestrian IEA team with my new coach, Leann Smith.
I am currently a junior at Arlington Tech, Governor’s STEM Academy, and I am registered in a dual enrollment program that allows me to earn college credits during high school. I am extremely dedicated to my education and am currently pursuing my Associate’s Degree in General Studies from Northern Virginia Community College and I am on track to graduate from high school in 2025. I work hard to maintain a 3.8 GPA. Inside my school community, I also help to lead several clubs related to racial equity, diversity, and inclusion. I work closely with my school administrators, principals, teachers, and peers to ensure a secure and safe learning environment for myself and my peers. When I am not at school or the barn I enjoy spending quality time with my friends and family.
I’m excited to join a college IHSA equestrian team. I have been described as being helpful by my teammates. During our home IEA meets my hands are never still whether I am holding two or three horses or helping another rider adjust their stirrups, I am always doing something to help. I help build team morale by coming to practice with a good attitude and making my teammates laugh while we compete against each other and against opponents. I am competitive and enjoy helping my team do our best. Having the opportunity to ride in college would allow me to continue my riding journey. Finding the right university and barn family is extremely important to me.
~ Marlene Reyes
