Sophia Eckardt, a 18-year-old athlete from Saratoga Springs High School, has recently earned a spot on the U.S. Equestrian Team and will be representing her country in South Africa for the International Saddle Seat Equitation World Cup in December. She has been riding at Rolling Oaks in Gansevoort since she was seven and enjoys sharing her passion for the sport with people of all ages.
Sophia expressed how much it means to her to be part of the U.S. Equestrian Team and to have the opportunity to represent her country at an international level. She highlighted the camaraderie among team members from different parts of the U.S., which she believes is essential to success in this challenging sport. The focus on equitation, which includes form and presentation, is also a crucial aspect of being a member of the team, Sophia noted.
In addition to her equestrian pursuits, Sophia has a busy year ahead. This week, she will graduate from high school as a senior and plans to attend the University of New Hampshire in the fall. Juggling her academic commitments along with her passion for equestrian sports, Sophia is on track for an exciting year full of achievements and opportunities.
Overall, Sophia’s journey highlights how hard work, dedication, and passion can lead to great success in any field or pursuit. As she continues to compete at an international level and pursue higher education, we have no doubt that Sophia will continue to excel and make us proud.
