My love of horses and horseback riding began when I had my 7-year-old birthday party at an equestrian facility in May, 2017. Ever since my first ride, I have been hooked. I began taking English riding lessons that August and began showing on the local hunter/jumper circuit the following summer. I joined Springfield Pony Club in the fall of 2018 with hopes that, if I became a true horseman and learned to take care of a horse, my parents would buy me my own. My dream came true in July of 2019 when I got my first pony, Captain Hook, a buckskin Connemara.
In the years since my first pony and showing on the local circuit, I first progressed to the regional schooling shows and am now showing nationally on the A-circuit. I currently train with Katana Kennedy-O’Brien at Kee West Farm in St. Louis, Missouri. My competition highlights include:
• 3rd place in the Under 14 Equitation on the Flat at the National Horse Show in 2024
• Reserve Circuit Champion in the 12-14 Equitation at Fox Lea Farm for the Venice Equestrian Tour in 2024
• Qualifying and riding at Junior Hunter Finals in 2024
• 6th place in the National HOTY in the Low Children’s Hunters in 2023
• 1st place in the Low Children’s Classic in Traverse City in 2023
• 1st place in the Handy Hunter Challenge at Moffit Lake in 2023
I am currently a freshman at Ozark High School in Ozark, Missouri. Because I am routinely absent from school for competitions, I maintain strong communication with my teachers regarding my academic responsibilities. I am committed to maintaining straight A’s so I keep the privilege of missing school to compete. I have a 4.0 (unweighted) GPA and take all available honors classes. When I am not competing, I enjoy working out, participating in school related activities, supporting my brothers and friends in their school and club sporting activities, and traveling.
To ride for an NCAA Division I Equestrian Team is a goal I have been committed to achieving since I was in seventh grade. I love everything about the sport – the hard work it requires, the patience it demands, the humbleness I have learned, and the friendships I have cultivated across the county with those who share and understand the same passion. I am beyond excited to be on this amazing journey to find my future collegiate team!
~ Olivia Growcock