The 2026 IHSA National Championship was an experience I’ll never forget. Qualifying for Nationals was already exciting, but getting to compete there while representing Centenary University made it even more meaningful. I felt the result of all the hard work, long days and dedication once I stepped into the ring.

I competed in The Chronicle of the Horse Team Limit Equitation Over Fences and The Chronicle of the Horse Individual Limit Equitation on the Flat, which made the experience both rewarding and challenging in unique ways. Being part of the team competition meant my ride contributed to a bigger goal, representing Centenary University and supporting my teammates, which added a different kind of pressure but also made it meaningful. 

At the same time, the individual class felt more personal. It was something I had been working toward all season, so qualifying and competing in that division at Nationals meant a lot to me.

When I got my draw horses, I focused on the basics and tried to get a feel for each one right away—how forward they were, how they responded to cues and what they needed from me to perform their best. In both classes, I tried to be consistent and accurate while also riding smoothly and effectively and showing off my skills as much as possible.

Learning From Every Experience

IHSA has taught me so much through experiences like this, both in and out of the ring. It’s made me a more adaptable rider and a more thoughtful horse person overall. Since you’re constantly riding different horses, you can’t rely on routine. You must learn how to read each horse quickly and figure out what works best for them. That ability to adjust and stay confident, even in new situations, is something that really stood out to me at Nationals and is something I’ll carry with me going forward.

Sportsmanship has been one of the most meaningful parts of my experience, both within Centenary University and across the IHSA community. At Centenary, our team truly supports one another whether we’re helping someone prepare before they go into the ring, celebrating each other’s successes or staying positive after a tough ride. IHSA stands out for its sportsmanship. 

At Nationals, riders continue to encourage each other, offering congratulations and recognizing good rides regardless of the team or school. That mutual respect created a competitive but supportive atmosphere and is one of the reasons IHSA offers such unique and rewarding experiences.

Some of my favorite memories have come from moments outside the ring. Spending time with my teammates before and after classes, walking courses together and talking through strategies all made the experience more meaningful. Those moments helped take some of the pressure off and reminded me that we were all in it together. 

Because of that, Nationals especially felt like more than just a competition. It was about the people I shared it with as much as the rides. Of course, there were challenges along the way. Riding unfamiliar horses can be unpredictable, and not every ride goes the way you hope. There were moments where things didn’t click right away or didn’t go as planned. But those experiences ended up being some of the most valuable. IHSA has taught me how to stay focused, adjust in the moment and move on quickly without getting stuck on mistakes. It’s shown me how important it is to make the best of every ride, no matter the circumstances and to keep improving from each experience.

Learning, Improving and Being Part of a Community

Overall, Nationals felt like the perfect way to finish the season and reflect on everything I had worked toward. Representing Centenary University in both the Team Limit Equitation Over Fences and Individual Limit Equitation on the Flat divisions is something I’m proud of, because it showed how far I’ve come as a rider over the course of the year. From the beginning of the season to stepping into the ring at Nationals, I could see my growth, not just in my riding but in my confidence, decision-making and ability to handle pressure. Being able to compete at that level made all the hard work, long days and challenges along the way feel worth it.

What makes it even more meaningful is that I know these experiences will stay with me. Nationals pushed me to trust myself, adapt quickly and stay focused no matter the situation. Those are lessons that go beyond just one competition, and I know they’ll help me in my riding moving forward.

The 2026 IHSA National Championship wasn’t just about competing, it was about learning, improving and being part of a community that shares the same passion for riding. Being surrounded by riders who all care so much about the sport, while also supporting each other, made the experience even more special. It reminded me why I love riding and why IHSA has been such an important part of my journey.

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