2024 Senior Spotlight

Emily from Henley HS

Sammy from North Medford HS

“Hello, my name is Samantha, I have been riding for North Medford High School since my Freshman year. For the past 4 years of competing, I have had the opportunity to learn so many new skills, physically and mentally. I’ll forever be grateful to my mom, for constantly helping me to persevere through the winding roads along the way. My mom has been teaching me to ride since before I knew how to walk and, thankfully, I had the honor of having her as my coach for the first 3 years of competing with OHSET. This year she passed the coaching along to Lexi, who has been an amazing coach. She has been there to guide us towards doing our best in every event. I would just like to personally thank each one of them for never giving up on me, and having the patience to guide me towards having the best seasons possible. I would also like to thank my dad for being my number one supporter, not only in OHSET, but also in my life. He’s my superman and I am his supergirl, and he will always be my buddy forever. Now, of course I have to give a major shout out to my amazing, stunning horse, Pistol. Pistol is a beautiful paint who has a heart of a gold, but an attitude my mom loves to say matches mine. Pistol is the best horse I could’ve ever asked for, she’s never given up on me and she’s always been there when I need her, or even when she just wants to eat my hair or sneeze in my face. There will always be a spot in my heart reserved for my gorgeous girl.”

Melissa from South Medford HS

“Being part of OHSET has been the highlight of my high school experience. My passion for riding all started when I was 4, I then began my jumping journey a few years later. I gained valuable experience throughout the 14 years I have been riding, and even trained two of my horses. I mainly do jumping, but thanks to OHSET I have expanded my horizons to dressage as well as other disciplines. I’ve had the privilege of being a part of the South Medford Equestrian Team since my junior year of high school. It’s bittersweet realizing that this is my last year of OHSET, but I’m happy to say I have enjoyed every second of it. My only regret is not joining earlier. However, I am ready and excited for what’s to come. I not only obtained more experience in jumping but I also got to branch out and try events I would have never tried if it wasn’t for OHSET. I owe my success in hunt seat over fences and dressage to Lexi the North Medford coach and Gabby the South Medford coach who were determined to help me succeed. They made time to help me practice and progress in my riding, and I am thankful for them and what they have done for me. I am also eternally grateful for my parents and all they have done for me, and their efforts to help me continue my riding throughout the many years, I could not have done it without them. After high school, I plan to begin RCC in the fall and then hopefully transfer to OSU to pursue a degree in biology. Thanks to OHSET I am a better rider with more experience and knowledge. Thank you to my OHSET team for all you’ve done for me, I could not have asked for a better two years, I wish you all the best.”

Kaley from Crosspoint Christian HS

“I have participated in OHSET since Sophomore year. I have been riding horses on and off since I was 12, taking random lessons here and there. I got my first gaming horse when I was 15. She was crazy and had been blown up by her previous owner. I started OHSET with her a month and a half after I got her. It has been a crazy three years with her, and I started off with no tools or knowledge of how to build her to be the amazing partner and friend she is to me now.
The summer before junior year, I fell off my mare and got a concussion. I almost quit riding after that, and it took me three months to get back on her. Every day I am reminded of how worth it it was to choose to get back in the saddle again.
In May last year, I got my mustang mare to start reining and working rancher. Starting a whole new discipline was a little harder than I thought it would be. She gave me the ability to work on a real ranch last summer, and we spent many hours and miles together out in the sagebrush moving cows. My experiences with my mustang led me to realize how much I love not only learning real horsemanship skills, and how to teach and train horses, but also how much I love ranch riding and performance events.
If I have learned anything in the last four years, it is that nothing worth doing is easy. Don’t take any opportunity you have for granted, including the gift of waking up every morning and physically having the strength to even just get out of bed.
I am hoping to attend Feather River College in the fall to start on an Equine and Ranch Management degree. My hope is to someday train horses and build a herd of cattle of my own. I would like to thank my parents, my family, my friends, those who have added their constructive criticism, coaching, and time to my riding career, and those who have given me opportunities to build not only my horsemanship, but my character, and to Jesus, for giving me life and keeping me safe on the backs of all of the incredible horses that I have been blessed to call my partners.”

Taylor from Bonanza HS

“Hello! My name is Taylor and I have been a part of the Klamath OHSET teams since my sophomore year. My horses have taught me so much, including how to be a proficient horsewoman and communicator. I’ve had the opportunity to ride five amazing horses throughout my three years. I never saw myself being a rider that would go from working rancher to gaming to breakaway, but my horses made it possible with their individual skill sets. I’d like to thank Gypsy, Tater, Zana, Roger, and Tevo. Without them none of this would have been possible. I’ve formed many valuable friendships with other OHSET members that I would have never experienced if it had not been for this organization. We’ve had adventures and made inside jokes that I’m sure we’ll be laughing about for years to come. I would like to thank everyone who has supported and cheered me on throughout my time in OHSET. Their faith in me has been invaluable. This includes my parents, who are my greatest fans and have made numerous sacrifices through my years in OHSET, including giving up a lot of time that they could have spent probably doing something less stressful! I am forever grateful for everything they’ve done. I would also like to thank Schweiger’s for letting me use Tevo this year. He’s the best boy and pours his heart into every run. My advice to everyone still in OHSET is to focus on the positive and to treasure the rest of your time. You’ll miss it someday. I plan for this to not be my last experience in OHSET though. My goal is to come back as an OHSET coach and judge. I want to give back to the organization that has given so much to me. Thank you to OHSET for being a wonderful organization to be a part of. Here’s to the best being yet to come!”

Roxy from Hidden Valley HS

“Hello my name is Roxy, this is my 5th year being on the Hidden Valley team and 4th year as a competitor. Being a senior I have made so many memories, far too many to choose from. Along with those memories came friendships not just on my team but with other competitors. Currently I work at crossing bridges therapeutic rinding center, after graduation I will continue working there alongside attending college where I am hoping to get my phlebotomist license then in the future attend nursing school. OHSET has been a huge part of my life and I am grateful for everyone I met and everything I learned. First I would like to thank my family and sponsors because without them this would never have been possible. Thank you to all my coaches especially coach Jenny Hull. Jenny has been there since day one, always pushing me to reach my potential. There has been many times I have wanted to give up and quit but coach Jenny has always been there to help me through it and excel in my riding. Finally I want to thank my horses each and every one that have been there through it all and have gotten me to where I am. Thank you for always keeping me safe every time I sat in that saddle and entered that arena. Thank you for teaching me patience and how to be a better rider especially my main man Sketch, you are and will always be my heart horse. Thank you ohset for all the great memories and allowing me to compete. Finally thank you God for all the blessings, for watching out keeping my teammates, my horses, and myself safe.”

Dana from Phoenix HS

“Hello, my name is Danna. This is my first year competing in OHSET with Phoenix High School. Sadly, I joined the Equestrian Team in my Junior year because at other schools I’ve been to, they didn’t have an Equestrian Team. However, it’s been an amazing, wonderful, incredible roller coaster that I have had with this beautiful team! I will definitely miss every single one of my teammates. I’m very thankful for my wonderful coach and family that have pushed me to succeed and helped me throughout the year! For my Coach…she has been really pushing me with my grades and wanted me to compete, she is always been by my side. I appreciate her and I really look up to her so much! For my mom… she is a one of a kind mom! I thank her so much and love her so much! She has been my number one supporter in every thing I do! Thank you for my teammates for making me laugh. Going out to eat the three of us, those were good times, and most of all letting me use your horses for the competition and for my senior pictures (Thank you Katelyn!). Love you all!”

Katie from Crater HS

“There is a saying that ‘time flies when you are having fun,’ and that is exactly what has happened in OHSET for the past four years. When looking back, I will remember the people, the horses, and the memories. Although my freshman year we didn’t even know if there was going to be a season, I knew I wanted to be on the Crater Equestrian team. Every year since, I have been able to advance my knowledge and horsemanship skills. OHSET this year especially has shown me how much I am supported by my coaches and teammates. When I had to euthanize my performance horse, my coach immediately offered her old reiner to finish the season on. When my gaming horse wasn’t sound enough to compete, my teammate offered her horse on the spot. Finally, I want to thank everyone for making this possible for me to complete. Thank you, trainers, coaches, teammates, and most of all, my parents. Thank you.”

William from Bonanza HS

“Hi, my name is William. I am a senior at Bonanza High School and have been competing in OHSET for 4 years. But, I started as a groom my 8th grade year while my sister was competing on the team. This season I am competing in roping, daubing, and sorting. I have learned a lot about horsemanship these last few years.
I want to thank my mom and dad and my coaches- Bart, Kim, and Stan. I’d also like to thank my sisters for all the help and advice they have offered over the years. It has helped me become a better horseman.
I’m excited to see where life takes me as I wrap up my senior year.“

Taya from Ashland HS

“I can’t believe this is my last OHSET meet of high school. These past four years have been full of countless memories, life lessons, and friendships I will carry with me for a lifetime. As I prepare for the next chapter of my life, I am excited to start this new adventure. In the summer, I plan to attend the University of Montana Western to study Biology and Natural Horsemanship with a minor in Pre-Veterinary Science. I will be taking my horses, Rosie and Paris, to college to use in the Natural Horsemanship program. My future goal is to become an equine veterinarian, dedicating my life to caring for the animals that have brought me so much happiness. None of this would have been possible without the support of my family, whose love and encouragement have helped me through many challenges. Thank you for always pushing me to do my best and never giving up; I could have never done it without you guys. Thank you to my coaches, who have pushed me beyond my limits, and to my teammates, who have been by my side through all of the challenges thrown at us. I would also like to extend my deepest gratitude to the Jacoban family for their help and kindness to me over the past few years. I would never be where I am today without your support, and I am so unbelievably thankful for your help. From letting me borrow horses to being some of my biggest supporters, you guys have made my years in OHSET the best, and I am so so so grateful. Lastly, to my beloved horses, Othello, Rosie, and Paris. Thank you for being the most loyal partners a girl could ask for. Thank you for teaching me so much about myself and always being my guiding light. I could never be more grateful for how you have changed my life, and I dream of being able to repay everything you gave me. As I move on from this chapter of my life, I bring the memories of countless hours spent in the arena, the thrill of the competition, and the teammates who have become like family. So, as I take my final ride in this arena tonight, I do so with a heart full of love and gratitude for the people who have changed my life. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being a part of my amazing journey.”

Alina from Hidden Valley HS

“Hi my name is Alina, this is my third year in OHSET and I ride on the Hidden Valley team. I’ve loved every minute I’ve gotten to spend with this amazing community and wonderful team and I would love to thank my amazing coaches Anna, Tia, Jenny, and Kendra thank you all for your time and effort, and of course, even though she retired from coaching last year I would especially love to thank Tiffany she was my head coach for my first 2 years in OHSET and was always so helpful and our biggest supporter. I would love to thank my mom the most because without her I would not be where I am today. Thank you to my awesome mare Fancy As Lace, aka Grey she is a true blessing and even though she tests her limits sometimes I wouldn’t trade her for anything, not even 50 cents a pound Matt, and of course my friends who are always there for me during the hard times and making my laugh after a bad run, and supporting me no matter who places above the other. I will miss being a part of this amazing community but it has taught me what true leadership, horsemanship, and sportsmanship really is. Go stangs!”

Lilly Hidden Valley HS

“Hi, my name is Lilly. I have been on the Equestrian Team for the past four years. I would first like to thank my parents Chris and Tiffany Havens for supporting me and buying me my first horse, Goose. Goose is a 13 yr. old Andalusian. A huge thanks to my coaches Tiffany, Jenny, Anna, Kendra, and Tia for all their guidance and support in learning new skills and discipline. Thank you to all my team members who have been there for me through all the ups and downs. Hidden Valley Equestrian Team will be one of the best memories of my life.”

Brenna Eagle Point HS

“Hi, my name is Brenna and this is my third year doing OHSET. I have been competing with my pony Breezy the past few years and she means the world to me. Because of her, we have been to the state championships for In-hand Trail and In-Hand Obstacle Relay. She is a truly amazing horse and I appreciate her beyond measure.
I want to thank my mentors and friends, Anwen James and Chris Hoffman, for helping me in my horsemanship journey. My skills continue to improve under their guidance and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support. I want to thank my parents for helping me and supporting my participation in OHSET. I also want to thank my coach, Jessica, for being supportive, kind, and respectful. You have made the past two years of OHSET very enjoyable. And of course thank you to my horses, because they are the light of my life and inspire me to be the best person I can be.“

Isabelle from Eagle Point HS

“Hi, my name is Isabelle, but most call me Izzy. I have been in OHSET the past two years, and have had the honor of being our team captain both years. Showing in OHSET has been the highlight of my high school career, and I am so grateful for every single memory I have made in OHSET. I’d like to thank each and every one of my amazing teammates for being so fun and supportive throughout the season. I’d also like to thank my coach, Jessica, for always being there for me and lifting me up! Thank you to my trainer, Kim White, for all of the help and forming me into the rider I am today. Thank you to my best friends and biggest role models, my parents, Jim and Loresa. My parents never lived in luxury due to my love of horses. This is an expensive sport and they sacrificed so much for me to be successful. You guys are the most hilarious, supportive, and selfless people I’ve ever met. I love you guys to the moon and back. Lastly, I would like to thank my horses. Life would not be the same without them. Thank you Jack for all the new opportunities, and being the horse that took me out of my comfort zone and made me a better rider. Thank you to my heart horse, Butters. There is so much to say, but to sum it up, you are one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Thank you for being the exact horse my heart needed these past 9 years. After I graduate, I will continue my journey in Cosmetology school, as I started in October of last year. I hope to open my own salon with my mom, and continue to show my horses often. Thank you OHSET for all the memories.“

Makaila from Crater HS

“As a senior at Crater High School, I have been privileged to be a part of the Equestrian team. My teammates have been more than generous with their horses, time and talents. Without their generosity I would not have had this amazing opportunity. I have learned so much. I’ve enjoyed volunteering at Hope Equestrian this past year. Prior to that I rode at Hope for over ten years. I am looking forward to attending RCC taking courses in the equine vet tech assistant program. My dream job would be working with horses. I’d like to thank all of the people who have helped me spend time doing what I love.“

Addison from Ashland HS

Hi, my name is Addison and I am graduating early from Ashland High School. I would like to highligh the horses who have carried me through everything but especially Calvin and Opie. I am so proud of these boys. Looking at how far we have come from this year let alone this last 3 years is insane! Calvin, Chicken, man, my words will never compare to how amazing this horse is. I am so in love with this little blondie that I couldn’t imagine a better partner though my competition days! He is always there when you need someone to lean on and is always challenging me to do better. I am so confident that this horse could hold the weight of the world on his shoulders. He is always trying harder, pushing more and leaping to the top. This is the best horse in the whole wide world and I would die on the mountain preaching it! Opie, Opsiedaisies, this horse is going to be something special that’s for sure, less than 2 years ago he had his first riding show at the 2nd OHSET meet and now we have been able to do all sorts of events successfully! Now he gets to experience the world of college and grow with me for the next 4 years! Next, my plans for the future! I have been accepted into The University of Montana Western to pursue a degree in their Psychology and Natural Horsemanship departments. Opie got accepted into this school’s amazing horse department so I get the honor of learning, training and pursuing my dreams on my little gentleman. As well as, their stellar psychology bachelor’s program with hopes to come home and work in clinical/counseling psychology with adolescents and young adults. Working with people who have to struggle with ADHD, Anxiety, Depression and other mental inconveniences would be my dream come true. Which leads me to my last thing I have to say. My piece of advice to every single person. Take advantage of these opportunities to get to meet and love on all the wonderful people around you. Every person needs people and these kinds of organizations provide an easy way to get to know a lot of other people!

Mia from Klamath Union HS

“As a Senior at Klamath Union High School, I have come to realize that this time I have here in high school, and through life, is limited. All of the late night practices, perfecting our drill pattern, the times spent around the camp site fire, all of the early mornings feeding and prepping our horses for cows. These seemed so routine, so normal, and sometimes like I couldn’t wait for it to be over. But now that it really truly is over, only then do you realize how life passes you by. There is no more of this to come. And it only sets it once it’s all said and done. So take a minute to slow down. Enjoy the 4 a.m. mornings of feeding, dressed in pajama pants, hair in a messy bun, ready to go back to sleep for another hour or two. Enjoy those late nights and sweaty ponies who have tried their hearts out for you. Cherish the times you can sit by the fire with your team, laughing, and growing a stronger bond together. OHSET is not strictly about the competition and the stress, it’s anything but. OHSET is about being a part of something bigger. It’s about being a team member and getting to share these special moments with one another. We are all so vastly different, but at the end of the day we are here for the same reason. So when your horse went in the arena and gave you their everything in turn for nothing, share your successes with them, and with your team. Don’t let this time pass you by without a backwards glance. Appreciate the smallest of things, because one day you’ll wish that you could go back and relive it all.

Thank you to every single person who has pushed me to be a better rider, and a better person. Because of you, I have been accepted into OSU’s Honors College to major in animal sciences, and will later peruse a degree in Veterinary Medicine. With much love, and much thanks.”

Evie from Grants Pass HS

“My name is Evie, and I have the great privilege of being the Grants Pass High School Equestrian Team Captain. I have been part of this team for two years and have enjoyed every minute! This year, I have twelve events with my favorites being drill, hunt seat equitation, in-hand trail, team versatility, and in-hand obstacle relay. I am leasing an Arabian performance horse named Spike, an Arabian gaming horse named Cricket, and a mini named Memory. I will be attending Taylor University this fall as a Social Work and Orphans and Vulnerable Children double major. I am also excited to be continuing my equestrian journey while in college by joining the Hunter/Jumper Equestrian team. They say it takes a village to own a horse, and I would like to thank all the people who have taught me, supported me, and cheered me on throughout OHSET. I want to thank my parents, grandparents, and siblings for their unfailing support and encouragement. I want to thank my teammates for their friendship, optimism, and the many fun memories I will take with me to college. I want to thank my trainer, Elois, for pushing me on to achieve my goals and for her dedication to teaching me to become the best possible rider and horsewoman that I can. I want to thank my coaches, Sam and Emmie, for their advice, encouragement, and many hours, inside and outside of practice, that they have sacrificed to help me succeed this season. Lastly, I want to thank each and every horse I have ridden; for the lessons they have taught me; for the miles they have faithfully carried me; for the character they have developed in me; and for the love they have shown me. I love every person and horse in my village and am so thankful for the support I have been given. I will remember you all always and forever!”

Meghan from Hidden Valley HS

“Hello, my name is Megan and this is my fourth year being on the Hidden Valley equestrian team. Since I joined the team as a Freshmen, I have participated mostly in the gaming events. My favorite events are the Drill team, Poles, and Idaho figure 8. My heart horse is my 16 year old buckskin mare, Chai. She is small but mighty. I have owned her for ten years now, and we’ve grown a lot together. OHSET has been a great experience, I always looked forward to the competitions and team events. I’m homeschooled so being on the equestrian team has given me a great opportunity to meet girls like myself and I’ve made many friendships. I also wrestle competitively and my coaches and team have been nothing but supportive when I have to be late for practice or miss a practice. My favorite memories are when I had an equestrian meet and a Freestyle State wrestling meet on the same day (fortunately right next door at Seven Feathers) and my team pulled together to get my horse ready while I wrestled in the other arena. I could not have done that without you guys. You’re the best!
Going to State last year was another great memory. The Four man drill team was so much fun, we laughed a lot and ended up placing 7th. Being able to compete at State was a blast.
I’d like to thank my coaches and teammates for their impact on my life. Thanks for challenging me, and supporting me every year and making me better.
Thanks to Chai, for carrying me through all four OHSET seasons, always giving everything she has, and taking care of me every time I climb in the saddle.
Most of all thank you to Jesus my Savior. I’d be nothing without your love and sacrifice.”