US Equestrian is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 USEF Higher Education Equestrian Scholarship, awarded to five outstanding individuals. This scholarship supports high school seniors in their pursuit of equestrian sports while they continue their education at the collegiate level.
Meet the 2024 USEF Higher Education Scholarship Winners
1. Emily Arriaga (Bahama, N.C.)
Emily Arriaga from Bahama, N.C., is a freshman at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she is pursuing a degree in Equestrian Studies while continuing her journey as a show jumper. Balancing her dedication to riding, she also graduated at the top of her high school class and earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Durham Technical Community College.
“I don’t have the privilege of having a groom, so I’ve taken on every aspect of horse care—from training and appearance to diet, stabling, and healthcare,” Arriaga explained. “This well-rounded foundation fuels my dream of becoming an entrepreneur in the equestrian industry, focusing on creating a horse sale, training, and showing facility with my brother that not only meets the needs of equestrians but also positively impacts the industry.”
Her experiences as a working student, competitive dancer, and her involvement in 4-H and IEA have instilled a strong discipline in Arriaga, helping her excel as both an accomplished equestrian and a dedicated student. These experiences have inspired her to pursue a professional career with horses and expand her knowledge through the opportunities available at SCAD.
“I believe that once you decide to become a horse owner, you have a serious responsibility to care for your horses and their environment,” she stated. “My facility would prioritize sustainable practices, such as eco-friendly stable management and responsible land use, alongside exceptional horse care.”
Upon graduation, Arriaga plans to apply her knowledge to establish a facility that hosts fellow equestrians who share her work ethic and dedication. She aims to collaborate with her brother, with whom she began her riding journey, to provide top-notch horse care and innovative educational opportunities for her community.
2. Catherine Borchardt (The Woodland, Texas)
Catherine Borchardt from The Woodlands, Texas, is majoring in Equine Industry and Business at West Texas A&M University, where she plans to try out for both the hunt seat and western IHSA teams.
As the only horse enthusiast in her family, Catherine started taking riding lessons at the age of six, driven by her passion for horses. This experience has taught her valuable life skills, including compassion and resilience. Her background in riding also led her to volunteer with the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council’s SPURS (Super People Using Riding Skills) program, where she accumulated an impressive 1,467 volunteer hours.
“I realized that my success in the program depended not only on my equestrian skills but also on my leadership abilities, which were essential for effectively learning and teaching others about horse care,” said Borchardt. “With guidance from mentors and coaches, I worked on becoming a better leader and aimed to set a positive example for my peers and younger scouts. Through trial and error, I learned that effective leaders instill confidence in others, avoid passing quick judgment, communicate well, respect and motivate their peers, and remain open-minded and collaborative.”
Catherine’s long-term goal is to make her mark in the equine industry, focusing on business and management while also training hunter/jumper horses.
3. Alina Cierkowski (Emumclaw, Wash.)
Alina Cierkowski from Enumclaw, Washington, is a dedicated dressage rider who began her journey in the sport by developing her own horse. This experience ignited her passion to advance through the levels, a pursuit she plans to continue during her college career.
“My past horses taught me valuable lessons that shaped my mental approach, while my current horse has helped me grow physically,” Cierkowski explained. “I learned that I need to ask correctly and use the right aids; otherwise, the movement won’t be executed properly. He has taught me accountability and awareness—not just of his actions, but of my own body movements, which has significantly advanced my riding and will continue to do so.”
Now a student at Emory and Henry College, Cierkowski is majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Equine Studies. She plans to seize the riding opportunities available to her by participating in intercollegiate teams and competing in USDF and USEF recognized shows, all while aiming to earn the scores necessary for her USDF bronze medal in dressage.
“There are so many lessons I’ve learned from these horses. Although I haven’t yet achieved my goal of earning my bronze medal, I have accomplished smaller goals along the way,” Cierkowski shared. “Each horse has been a tremendous teacher, helping me grow as both a rider and a person.”
After gaining experience working as an assistant trainer under a professional, Alina plans to leverage her education and experiences to open her own training business.
4. Sophie Naquin (Folsom, La.)
Sophie Naquin from Folsom, Louisiana, is a passionate equestrian with aspirations to compete in dressage, hunters, and jumpers while pursuing a dual degree in Equine Studies and Pre-Veterinarian at Emory and Henry College.
Sophie’s journey in riding began with the United States Pony Club, and her enthusiasm for the sport has only grown since then. After acquiring her own horse in 2021, she became acutely aware of the shortage of large animal veterinarians in her local equestrian community.
“There are only a few large animal veterinarians in our town, which can make it difficult for horse owners to get the care they need on-site,” Naquin explained. “Sometimes, the only option is to load a sick horse and drive over an hour to Louisiana State University Animal Hospital. I want to give back to the community that has opened my eyes to the equestrian world by becoming a large animal veterinarian.”
Sophie learned the value of patience and dedication while working with Mulligan, a young and untrained horse she successfully took to the U.S. Dressage Finals. Alongside her horse training, she volunteered at New Heights Therapeutic Riding Center, where she witnessed the profound impact horses can have on people’s lives.
“These lessons in patience, consistency, and partnership are life skills that will benefit me throughout my life, especially as I embark on my college journey,” she said.
5. Paige Sawyer (Wichita, Kan.)
Paige Sawyer from Wichita, Kansas, is an accomplished equestrian who has showcased her two Morgans throughout her riding career.
Notably, she finished in the top ten at the AMHA Western Seat Gold Medal Finals during the Morgan Grand Nationals and won the AMHA Reining Seat Gold Medal Finals. She credits her achievements to the invaluable lessons learned from caring for and developing her horses.
“The journey to these accomplishments was filled with challenges, but each obstacle taught me resilience and the importance of persistence,” Sawyer shared. “Reaching these goals reinforced my belief that hard work and dedication can lead to remarkable outcomes.”
In addition to her riding, Paige is dedicated to sharing her knowledge with the next generation of riders, focusing on topics like riding techniques and proper horse care. This experience has ignited her passion for educating young riders about the skills and compassion required to work with animals.
“Through this experience, I’ve learned the importance of patience and effective communication in teaching practical skills and instilling respect for animals,” said Sawyer. “This work has solidified my passion for working with both children and animals in an educational setting.”
As she continues her studies at Kansas State University, Paige plans to major in Animal Science with a focus on Bioscience and Biotechnology, along with a minor in Business. Her ultimate goal is to open her own veterinary practice after graduating from Veterinary School, which she also plans to complete at Kansas State.