My parents have always told me that since I could talk, I was begging for riding lessons. As most kids do, I started with just a one-week summer camp learning basic horsemanship skills and mounted skills. I vividly remember creating a brown book with different depictions of horse ears and the corresponding emotions that went with them. To show my appreciation for such a majestic animal, I carried this book with me everywhere I went. When I turned 9, my parents finally allowed me to start taking English lessons at Bridlewood Farms because one of my friends rode there. For the first few months, I learned all of the basic information on my friend’s pony, Thumbelina. However, just a short period of time later, she was diagnosed with founders, and had to be put down. Instead of getting depressed over her death, I used it as motivation to continue increasing my riding skills, and develop an interest in veterinary sciences which I plan to major in in college. After Thumbelina’s death, I was generously gifted by my parents a new pony, Tucker. Among my achievements, I was awarded the LEGIS League walk/trot poles champion, LEGIS League walk/trot/canter cross rails champion in my first show in 2017. Later on, in 2020, I was given the pleasure of being interviewed by LEGIS League, and went on to place 7th in the LEGIS League Cornerstone Medal (2020), and 4th in the LEGIS League Children’s Medal Finals (2021). In 2021, I also finished up with a 5th place year-end-award in the CHJA 12-14 Junior Equitation, 1st in the LEGIS League Colorado Region 14 and Under Children’s Hunters, and would have been USEF Zone 8 Children’s Hunter 12-14 champion, but was not because of my horse being out of region. In 2022, I qualified for NCEA Finals. Finally, this year I have already qualified for CPHA Child/Adult Medal Finals.
I am currently a rising junior student at Colorado Academy in Littleton, Colorado and am extremely focused on my studies maintaining a 3.83 unweighted GPA. I participated in Field Hockey my sophomore year, and Climbing my sophomore year to fulfill my Athletic requirements for the corresponding years. I also played a key role in convincing my school’s athletic department to include Equestrian as an Independent Sport option. To do this, I was required to write a 5 page essay on my athletic career highlights, and have my trainer send updates to the head of athletics. When not engaged in schoolwork or riding, I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends, as well as skiing in the Breckenridge mountains to improve my skills.
Riding at the collegiate level would demonstrate all of the hard work I have put in across the past few years. I am extremely passionate about finding a college that suits me, and being part of an NCAA Division 1 team that will allow me to demonstrate, as well as further my sportsmanship and equestrian knowledge. The equestrian community has allowed me to express myself for who I am, and helped me discover more about myself, especially my ADHD. It has helped me develop patience and a work ethic in a way I never imagined. I cannot wait to commit myself to a team that suits me, collaborate with others on my team, and demonstrate my leadership skills!
~ Melissa Acker