Summer Star's WAWE Young Rider's Fundraiser

I am raising funds to help me go to the 2023 Youth Championship for Working Equitation in Ponte de Lima, Portugal. I am a young rider from Southern Arizona and in the past 11 years, I have shown my horses at almost every level in working equitation across the United States. Now I am thrilled at the opportunity to represent the United States as one of the first youth riders ever sent to a world championship show!

The money I am raising is going to support my travel expenses as I go to compete at the world championship for young riders in Working Equitation. Working Equitation is a horse discipline that focuses on the working horses and traditions of each nation. In the competition, all competitors must complete four trials, including a dressage trial, an obstacle for precision trial, an obstacle for speed trial, and a cattle trial. At the end of all four trials, the horse and rider who demonstrates the best ability to handle and deal with all the variables is awarded. The United States is new to the international stage in Working Equitation and this is the first time that a youth competitor has been selected to represent the USA at a world championship show.

To be selected for this amazing opportunity, I applied for nomination by the national association of Working Equitation here in the States and demonstrated my athletic ability and how I would be a good candidate to represent the USA. After being nominated I also had to qualify with a combined average of 58% at level 6, the second-highest level in the United States. But even after all my hard work and dedication to being the best athlete I can many struggles still face me as I look forward to competing internationally.

One of the hardest things is finding ways to raise money to support my travel expenses since the competition is so close and I have so little fundraising time. Giving to this fundraiser helps it become possible for me to live my dream of riding internationally representing the USA. The money raised will go to my plane tickets, travel expenses, and even to leasing and feeding the horse I will ride at the Championships. Other expenses include team apparel and coaching while I prepare to do my best in Portugal. Please support me and go Team USA!