I come from a long line of equestrians. My grandmother, mother, and both of my aunts grew up in the hunter and equitation ring. From the first time I was introduced to a horse, I knew it would be a life long passion. What I didn’t know was how much I would learn beyond the barn. Discipline, commitment, patience, accountability, team building, strategy, literally and figuratively falling down and getting back up have all been developed and strengthened through my love of and dedication to the world of competitive horseback riding. While I grew up in Colorado, my southern family roots have played a significant role in my life. Both my father and mother and their parents and siblings are from Louisiana. My mom went to the University of Texas at Austin and my cousins attended TCU. I love going back to Louisiana and Texas and feel a great sense of belonging when I am there. I have also been very fortunate to travel with my parents, as they believe that introducing my sister and I to different cultures is a part of education. It has allowed me to appreciate and respect people all over the world. Along with my schooling and travel, horseback riding, specifically the discipline and work ethic associated with it, have been invaluable in developing me as a person and teammate. I understand hard work, early mornings, consistent dedication, constant learning opportunities and how to be accountable and learn from my mistakes. Outside of school and my training, I love to play pickle ball with my friends and family. During the winter months, I spend time skiing in the mountains (which also strengthens my core and legs for when I’m back in the saddle during the week!) I started riding at the age of 7, riding down the trails to go to 4-H. My “Horse-less” Horse Project made it all the way to state. I participated in the English and western 4-H competitions where I found a particular love for jumping. I then began training at Parker Riding Academy with trainer, Taylor Sutton. This is where my equitation journey began with a great horse taking me from beginners to 3’.
At the age of 13, I began experimenting in the jumper ring. Starting in the .75m and with determination and excellent training, moving up quickly to the 1.15m. To pursue this further, I moved to training with Nico and Caroline Van Der Merwe at VDM Sporthorses. By the age of 15 I was competing at the 1.20m with rope placings. I wanted to again challenge myself as a rider and leased a “promising” 7 year old who had never been shown by a junior and only had experience up to the 3’ hunter and equitation. Working together almost daily, I was able to take him to his first out of state shows where we had top placings in the national derbies, junior hunters, and stepping up to the 3’6 equitation.
When my lease ended, I decided to continue to focus on the Equitation and Hunter ring. I was excited to be able to lease a wonderful equitation horse named Visconti and began training with him at Wellsbridge Farm with Trainers Dorthy and Paul Rohrbach. I continued to dedicate myself to improving my skills and was rewarded with top placings in the junior hunters and equitation divisions, qualifying for junior hunter finals and the Gladstone cup placing 10th overall in Junior Hunter Finals, Large division. I also qualified for Maclay finals and went to Kentucky with Visconti after having him only for 6 months. During the current competition year, I am continuing to focus on equitation and honing my skills. I went to Vegas for jumper finals and just got back from WEC. I am a dedicated rider, team member and would be honored to ride for a collegiate team that shares my love for the sport, the animal and the commitment.
~ Celia Diaz