As most of you know, a few weeks ago this thing called Young Riders happened. While many eventers don’t find it relevant since, well, you have to be under 21 to compete, for those of proper age it is the holy grail of competition. When I was sixteen I would have nearly sold my soul to compete at this most sacred of all shows. And even then I was two years older than this year’s CCI* individual (and team) gold medalist Alyssa Phillips. Alyssa is from Fort Worth, Texas and rode for Area V on her nineteen-year-old Sundance Bay knowing that the championships would be his last competition. Ever. Imagine that pressure on top of general Young Rider nerves and you have the perfect storm spelling disaster. But not for Alyssa Phillips. Sitting in second after dressage, she breezed around cross-country with just 1.2 time faults and left all the rails in their cups to secure the gold and a beautiful retirement ceremony for Dancer, who now enjoys his glory in grassy fields and gets ten pounds of carrots a day (no I did not make that up). Did I mention she’s only fourteen? Ok I’m done singing praises. Here’s her own thoughts on the weekend and what’s next for her riding career.
How did you start eventing?
I started eventing when I moved from Azle, Texas to Fort Worth. I had been riding western in Azle when I was four and once I moved to Fort Worth my parents found an eventing barn, Curragh Equestrian Center. I started taking lessons there when I was five years old. I got my first event pony, Sugar, when I was eight and I just loved the sport so much.
Now that you’ve won one of the biggest honors for anyone under 21, what’s next?
While I was at young riders I had my new horse Exploring or “Digby” staying at home waiting for me to come back and start to ride him. We are going to do a couple of horse shows just so we can build our partnership then hopefully qualifying for young riders next year.
Who is the biggest inspiration to your riding career and why?
My biggest inspiration is my trainer Angela Grzywinski because she is like a sister to me and she knows so much and I’m always learning new things from her. She has helped me come a long way the past 4 years.
What was your favorite moment of Young Riders?
My favorite moment of Young Riders was winning gold, but also coming off of my dressage test and hearing that I was in second place. I was so shocked because Dancer is not the fanciest mover in the class. Dancer definitely ended his career with a bang.
Any advice for aspiring Young Riders out there?
My advice for any young rider out there is do not let anyone tell you that you can’t do something, because you just might surprise them on what you are capable of doing.
Why you ride in five words:
Good luck Alyssa and Digby, and Go Eventing.
