Sophomore Sophia Langella Competes With Horseback Riders Across the Country

Taylor Phillips, Copy Editor

La Vista, Period 4

May 21st, 2020

Section: Sports

Sophomore Sophia Langella Competes With Horseback Riders Across the Country

 

Sophomore Sophia Langella rides her way through the obstacles and against competitors, as she is a competitive horseback rider and has competed against other horseback riders from across the country. 

 

Langella started her horseback career when she was nine years old and started riding at Mystic Canyon Stable in Palos Verdes. Langella’s passion for animals led her to pursue horseback riding as her full-time sport. 

 

“What got me into horseback riding was probably that I grew up loving horses as animals and I had a strong passion for them,” Langella said. “I wanted to pursue my sport because it was different than any other sport and I actually loved what I was doing. I really enjoyed it.”

 

As Langella has grown up, she has advanced in her skills and has moved on to a new barn called the Seahorse Riding Club. Based in Palos Verdes, the Seahorse Riding Club is an A-Rated competitive barn and is more advanced than her prior barn, according to Langella. 

 

“Weekly, I practice at least 15 hours a week,” Langella said. “What I do to train is I have lessons with trainers, working on technique and well as training with the horse.” 

 

As Langella has gone through her training, she has trained with many horses. Langella has trained with ponies and other horses and has worked up to riding a Czech Warmblood. Langella is currently training with a Czech Warmblood horse at her stable.

 

“I have not ridden the same horse as when I was younger,” Langella said. “I’ve gone through many horses and ponies to get where I am now.” 

 

Langella started competing when she was 10 years old. She has competed in a lot of A-rated, or highly competitive, horse shows in California, according to Langella. The competition Langella was most proud of entering was the Onondarka Medal Final, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar California. 

 

“I am proud of entering that class because it is a very advanced class with a lot of advanced riders in it,” Langella said. “Usually there are tons of riders competing in this medal.” 

 

Since COVID-19 has hit the United States and has caused states to shut down sports activities, it has been difficult for Langella to continue training. But as the regulations are starting to ease, Langella can start to continue her training at her stable. 

 

“In the beginning, it did affect my training as the people in my classes were limited and we had to wear masks as we rode,” Langella said. “It is much easier now that we don’t have to do those things anymore.” 

 

With Langella continuing to train with her trainers, she hopes to compete at a university that has an equestrian program at their school. Langella has her sights set on hopefully competing as a professional horseback rider in the future. 

 

“After college, I hope to get a well-paid job at a barn that will ride horses for other people,” Langella said. “I hope to compete all around the world as a professional rider.”