Before I could even walk, I was completely fascinated by horses and spent summers watching my mom and sister ride until I was finally old enough to join them. Growing up in NYC, I looked forward to each weekend where I would be able to have a lesson and see the friends that my sister and I had made. However, once I started competing on a small lesson pony, horses had already taken their place in my life, so driving upstate after school and spending all day at the barn on the weekends and summers became routine. Currently, I ride for Di St. Onge and Helaina Ricciardi at Meadow Creek Farm, having previously trained under Susan Clark at Lucky C Stables from 2015 until her retirement in 2022. I believe that what sets me apart from other jumping seat candidates is that I have 5 years- some may say 8, since I went to every one of my sister’s practices/competitions when I wasn’t old enough- of team riding experience. This journey has taught me to take initiative in supporting my teammates, captains, horses and coaches, and to prioritize my team’s needs above my own.
I am currently a junior at the Lycée Français de New York in New York, NY and am extremely focused on my academics. Since my school is bilingual, I not only follow a French curriculum and the international baccalaureate, but I am also enrolled in all Honors classes and take 5 APs of the 6 offered at my school. I also maintained a 4.0 GPA.
When I am not at the barn or showing, I enjoy running for the Lycée’s cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track team. I have most recently received MIP for Varsity indoor track as I improved my time by 9 seconds in the 600m. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and traveling.
Having the opportunity to ride at the collegiate level would validate all of the time and effort I have put into my equestrian youth career. I am very passionate about finding the right college for me and the opportunity to ride for an NCAA equestrian team. Riding has not only provided me with lifelong memories and friends, but has also taught me patience, resilience and most of all how to have a strong work ethic. I look forward to committing myself to my future team!
~ Sierra Johnson