When I was growing up, I tried many sports and activities, but nothing made me feel as happy and excited as a horseback riding camp I went to when I was 5 years old. My passion for horses grew over the next several years with regular riding lessons, local hunter shows and participating in IEA competition. I began competing in USEF National Rated shows in 2023 and I currently train with Kristin Mangum of Highland Grove Stables. My competition highlights include qualifying for several 2024 equitation finals including the Gladstone Cup, USHJA Jump Seat Medal, NHS and Maclay Regional Finals. I have also qualified 2 horses for 2024 Junior Hunter Finals and was awarded Best Junior Rider at Blue Rock Classic in May 2024.
I am currently a rising junior at Oakton High School where I am enrolled in Honors and AP classes and maintain a 3.8 GPA. I enjoy learning about running a business and financial management from my parents, and this is a field of study I am interested in for college. Outside of the classroom and the stable, I enjoy playing the violin, running Spartan races and spending time with my friends and family.
I aspire to have a career in the equestrian field after college, and being able to continue my passion for riding and caring for horses throughout my college experience would be a dream come true. I believe being a part of an NCAA equestrian team would be invaluable to expanding my abilities and experience to prepare me for an equestrian career. Through my hard work, coachability, and drive to succeed, I am excited to bring my many positive qualities to an NCAA Equestrian Jumping Seat team in 2026!
~ Julia Babington