2023 Senior Spotlight

Alora from Henley HS

“It’s so hard to believe that this is my last year of high school. I never want to stop making precious memories with the people and animals I love. I know I will forever miss the supportive community more than anything. Going from a push-button broke older mare who ran the same run every time to a mare I’ve had to train all by myself is hard. It’s been a humbling process, but I could have the worst run and I know I have a crew of wonderful people waiting outside the gate telling me just how amazing she and I did. Even if not a single thing went right, they will never make me feel as though I’m not good enough. Their uplifting spirits have kept me going strong, and without them, I wouldn’t be a fraction of the person I am today.

These past 4 years have flown by too quickly. I didn’t realize that as a freshman, I should’ve been cherishing every moment. I should’ve gone to get ice cream with the girls after a long day of riding in back-to-back events. I should’ve gotten out of my shell and really become part of my team, because that is what OHSET is all about and I didn’t understand that until this year. I encourage all the kids here to just savor everything, and put yourself out there! Bond with your teammates and coaches and it will make every win, great or small, so much sweeter. Open your eyes take in all of the blessings around you, and pet your horse because they’ll do anything for us and expect nothing in return. Most importantly love and live like there’s no tomorrow, and I promise you will never regret it.”

Natalie from Bonanza HS

“I’ve always enjoyed being around horses and riding. I’ve been a part of OHSET all four years of high school and even through the rough 2020 year, and not having a full freshman season. I’ve loved every second and bonding with my teammates and learning to be a better rider and better teammate. I am so thankful for all my coaches and everything I’ve learned along the way.”

Sarah from Grants Pass HS

“Hi, my name is Sarah and this is my fourth and final year with the Grants Pass Equestrian Team. As high school comes to a close, I know when I look back on memories from these years they will be filled with highlights from this sport. I started out as a groom my first year and with the immense help of my family, I was able to get my own horse as a sophomore and start competing. Many thanks go out to all my teammates, past and present, my family, all the horses I’ve been able to get on from a young age to now, and my coaches of course. I would not be anywhere near where I am without any of you and that is a fact. I am looking forward to State again this year as a way to wrap up the season with a bang! I have been honored to be part of the Southern District and serve as the Southern District Youth Representative this year. I wish all athletes the best moving forward from this program. Thank you OHSET.”

Teegan from Hidden Valley HS

“Hi my name is Teegan and this was my third year doing OHSET. I really appreciate my mom for being extremely supportive and helpful! Thank you to all my coaches for volunteering their time to help us athletes, Tiffany our head coach, for being so dedicated, and reliable, and for carrying me through the years and helping to make me become a better rider. I’m also very grateful for the opportunity to grow with my horses Cookie who Jenny so generously let me lease all three years! And, Johnny has been my partner in crime since he was two. Thank you Hidden Valley for allowing me to be a part of such an amazing team!”

Phyllis from Rogue River HS

“Phyllis is a dedicated high school senior with a passion for writing and equestrian sports. Her hard work and determination have earned her numerous accolades, including a Patriot Pens essay scholarship.

When she’s not writing, Phyllis can often be found on horseback, competing in barrel racing and versatility events. Her talent and dedication have earned her multiple versatility buckles, as well as reserves versatility buckles. She has also achieved state qualifier status for two years in a row, a testament to her exceptional equestrian skills.

Beyond her achievements in the arena, Phyllis has also given back to her community by volunteering at a disability riding facility. Her kindness and compassion have made a positive impact on the lives of those around her.

As she prepares for the next chapter of her life, Phyllis looks forward to pursuing her passions and continuing to make a difference in her community. Her dedication, perseverance, and kind spirit are sure to lead her to success in whatever she chooses to do.”

Paris from Hidden Valley HS

“I have ridden on the Hidden Valley Equestrian Team since my sophomore year. I truly love gaming and spending time with my horse, Ariat. Through the team, I have made some great friends I will never forget. I also raise show steers. This year is my ninth steer and he is my favorite steer so far. His name is Bob Ross, after the artist. Art is another passion of mine and I hope to pursue it more in the future. I’m so thankful for this opportunity and my team. Keep being great Lady Mustangs.”

Tiffany from North Medford HS

“When I joined OHSET in my sophomore year I had only been working with horses for three months. I started leasing a very green horse with the thought that we could learn together, we could not. However, I would like to thank Brenna and Raquel for trying to help me with her, even if she’s still a little iffy sometimes. I would also like to thank my horse, Shababy, because even though she’s crazy and has tried to kill me once or twice, she is my best friend and I wouldn’t trade her for the world. I would like to thank my coaches, Lisa and Baleigh, for all they have taught me. Lisa, for letting me use her horses and believing in me when no one else did, and Baleigh, for going above and beyond teaching me everything I know, letting me lease her amazing horse, Blue, and helping me, even outside of OHSET. I would also like to thank my driving instructor, Lisa, for teaching me how to drive. Even though Buzz knew everything he needed to, we were at a total loss with what to do. I remember watching a video that Lisa took trying to figure out how to get the harness on before you got there. Thank you for introducing me to AMHA, I loved hanging out with all your friends and I learned a lot in the short time we were there. I don’t know where I would be without you guys.

I’d like to thank my Mom because even though she doesn’t understand why I love horses or competing, she still supports me.

I’d also like to say how much I love being on this team, I never really felt like I was a part of anything before joining OHSET. I appreciate you all so much and you better believe that I will be back for the meets every year until the youngest of you graduates. After I graduate I am attending Central Oregon Community College to get a degree in Agricultural Science. After two years, I will transfer to the University of Idaho to finish my degree. I plan on having my own farm where I can hopefully encourage more youth to learn to love this lifestyle in the way I do.”

Lauren from North Medford HS

“I am currently a senior in high school and have had the privilege of being a part of OHSET for some of my freshman year and all of my senior year. Participating in OHSET has been the highlight of my high school experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to fully experience it during my senior year.

During my time in OHSET, I have gained valuable skills that have helped me both in and out of the arena. The sport has taught me patience, teamwork, and time management, which are crucial skills that will benefit me in my future endeavors.
Through OHSET, I have also had the opportunity to meet many great people, including my teammates from North and South Medford, as well as some Phoenix girls. Although I do not use my personal horse in OHSET, I have been privileged to use two other horses from the team. Riding multiple horses has allowed me to broaden my horizons and develop into an even better equestrian.

I owe my success in OHSET to the hard work of my coach, the unwavering support of my mom, who has been my biggest fan, the wonderful teammates who have become great friends, and the horses who have been willing partners. I could not have achieved my goals without the help of these amazing individuals.

In addition to my passion for horses, I am also passionate about serving my country. As such, I have enlisted in the Army and plan on going to boot camp soon. This experience will allow me to further my passion for animals while also providing me with financial support for college while serving and in the future.
I am excited to major in Animal Sciences in college and pursue my dream of becoming an Equine Chiropractor or Vet Tech. My ultimate goal is to use my education and experience to help animals in need and make a positive impact on their lives.

To wrap things up, my participation in OHSET has been an unforgettable experience that has taught me valuable skills and allowed me to meet amazing people. I am excited to begin my journey in the Army and continue pursuing my passion for animal sciences in college. I hope to use the skills and knowledge I have gained to make a positive impact on the lives of animals and serve my country. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way, and I am excited to see what the future holds.”

Aiden from Illinois Valley HS

“Aiden when you came to the program in 2020 you were a breath of fresh air for me as a coach. At this time I had been coaching for 13 years and had just decided that I was done coaching. I will never forget when I saw your name on the list. The only Gilkeys I know are Kaylah and Aaron. I sent Kaylah a message and after a few weeks, I got to meet you. You arrived saying you don’t ride and don’t have a horse. Over the next few months, the joy you brought to every practice made me realize you were going to be my “Exit Kid”. As we survived Covid and moved into the following years I have learned what an amazing kid you are. Aiden wants to thank: His parents, who jumped right in and we’re always so helpful and supportive not only to just me but to the coaching staff as well. Kaylah and Aaron Gilkey for their support of the path I chose. They loaned me a saddle, arena time, lessons and so much more. Alicia Kinsey who loaned me Cha-Ching my first season. Ceilidth Fiske who found me Zar that I competed with and gained confidence on. I would also like to thank her for helping me this season as plans fell through and she carried me through. Destiny Johnson for loaning you your amazing partner Jack. Jack and I connected and have had such an amazing time. The two of us are district champions, state qualifiers, and best friends, and that all was possible because Destiny trusted me with her heart horse.

In the Fall I am off to OSU to study computer science and engineering. I will not forget the time here at OHSET.”

Zoey from Eagle Point HS

“Hi my name is Zoey, this is my first year competing in OHSET with Eagle Point. After graduating, I plan to take a gap year for travel and then start cosmetology school. I would like to give many thanks to my mom Colby, and dad Dave, for helping me though this. Also to my coach Jessica for giving us the opportunity to have OHSET this year. Lastly, to my friend and coach Penny, thank you for teaching me how to ride, getting me to where I am today, and finding me the most loving and perfect horses, Poseidon and Romeo. I starting riding when I was around the age of five and have been hooked since. This year has truly been a gift.”

Payton from Crater HS

“Hi my name is Payton, and this is my fourth and final year in OSHET with Crater, which has been bittersweet! After graduation, I hope to go see the world and then go to midwifery school. I want to give a huge thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way. First off my family, for always being there and supporting me. My coaches, for pushing me to do my best. Also Penny, for keeping my horse feeling amazing and giving me the best advice. Truly, I couldn’t have done it without my amazing horse. She has not only helped me succeed but really showed me I have to work for it. Lastly, I’m so thankful for such amazing teammates over the years, especially this year! They are all so special to me. Also, I’d like to give a shout-out to Katie Horton who has been there for the last three years and helped me so much!”

Amelie from Ashland HS

“I have been riding ever since I can remember, but unfortunately, I was not able to join an Equestrian Team until my junior year of high school. Being part of OHSET for the past two years however, has been both super fun and rewarding. I have made some of the most beautiful connections and memories with my team members, coaches, and my horse Sky. My little dragon has been the most amazing partner during this season and there is no other horse I would have rather gone on this journey with. I owe so many thanks to her lovely owner, Linda, who has been so generous and trusting as she has allowed me to grow and compete with her horse. I’m also endlessly grateful to my wonderful team, who is truly like a family to me. I want to thank my mom and step-dad for supporting and encouraging me to chase my passion and for helping me make it possible however they could. My coaches Lizzy, Laura, Leelyn, Jen, Roxanne, and Bella have also put in so much hard work and dedication to help me become a better rider, teammate, and person. Thank you everyone for such an amazing experience and season!”

Kyleigh from Henley HS

“My plans after high school include working on Pre-vet Medicine while working at the vet clinic. My dream is to transfer to Blue Mountain Community College next year, where I also want to college rodeo.

This is my fourth year in OHSET and I can’t put into words all it has done for me. Coming in my freshman year, scared….. alone…. knowing hardly anybody, to now finishing my senior year, making some of the greatest friendships that I will cherish forever.

I can’t thank my coaches enough. Kim, I truly owe you the world. All your hard work, all your time you could have spent out buying trucks with Mr. Kim, but yet you chose to spend the extra time with all us crazy kids. From gathering us up like a herd of cows to, I’m sure wanting to pull your hair out, you always showed up to push us to be the athletes that we are today. I will forever appreciate you!

Bart!! Oh my!!! Good ol’ Bart!!!
Bart, you’re definitely one of a kind. I am going to miss all the jokes, practices where I was sure I had a target on my back. The times where I couldn’t decide if you were cracking a joke or really being serious, only to realize in my sophomore year,
that is just Bart! Thank you for the last four years of keeping me on my toes, and most importantly, believing in me, and always showing up to have my back.

Stan and Heidie Gorden, you have bent over backwards to help me. I am so thankful for all the extra help, practices, and most importantly for believing in me. I know for a fact I wouldn’t be where I am today without your support. I’m going to miss watching tick-tock’s with you Stan, teaching you the new “cool” vocabulary and catching up on all the “tea”. You Gordens have made my last couple years of OHSET “priceless” and I am so beyond thankful!

Most importantly, my parents. I couldn’t have done it without all my family supporting me. Thank you for always pushing me to do my best and never letting me give up. I seriously couldn’t have done it without you guys.

Last, but not least, my horses. Thank you for being my partners, for keeping me safe and having patience on days that I was losing mine. Thank you for your love, and making me feel special when I felt lost and broken. Thank you for being my rock, and trusting me in and outside the many different arenas. From winning me many buckles and championships, to knocking barrels and face planting in the dirt, but still getting back up and being ready to load up and go compete at the next competition! You’re the true athletes, and deserve all the credit.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to my OHSET Family. It’s been an awesome four years and I am so thankful to all that made it possible! I love and will miss you all!!”

Annalisa from Grants Pass HS

“Hi, my name is Annalisa. This is my second year competing in OHSET with Grants Pass High School. After graduating, I plan to take a gap year and then start Veterinary School. I want to say thank you to my family for giving me the opportunity to be successful.

Also, to my coaches for helping me achieve bigger things. Lastly to my horses, Cisco and Dooley, for being the best teammates I could ever ask for and for teaching me valuable lessons. My Grandpa got me into riding when I was younger and now it’s my lifestyle. I’m so grateful to be involved in such a great program and have horses that take care of me and that I can count on.”