We asked Angelina several questions about her equestrian journey, competitive experiences, and future goals. Her responses highlight the commitment and drive that continue to shape her as both a rider and a young achiever.

How did you first get involved in horseback riding, and what made you fall in love with it? I actually got into horseback riding by accident. I went to a friend’s birthday party at a barn, and that experience completely changed everything for me. What started as just a fun day turned into something I fell in love with, and it eventually grew into a huge part of my life. That’s what led me to competitive riding and my partnership with Blaise and Retro.

What disciplines do you compete in, and what do you enjoy most about them?  I mainly compete in Hunter Pleasure performance classes, which I really love because of the technical challenges and the variety it brings. There’s always something new to work on and improve.  I also compete in Hunt Seat Equitation, where I have to memorize and perform patterns with precision and control, which really pushes me as a rider. Recently, I’ve started exploring Horsemanship as well, which is a western-style version of equitation. I enjoy trying new things and continuing to grow in different areas.

How do you balance school, activities, and time at the barn?  Balancing everything definitely takes a lot of discipline and time management. School always comes first for me, and then I head to the barn. It can be a lot to juggle, but it’s worth it because riding is something I’m so passionate about. Every moment I get to spend with my horses makes all the effort worthwhile.

What has been one of your proudest moments as an equestrian so far?  One of my proudest moments was at the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show when I competed with Retro. He was only four at the time, and it was just our second show together. Even though it was a really competitive class, we ended up winning unanimously, which was such an incredible feeling and really showed what we’re capable of as a team.

Another unforgettable moment was earning Reserve National Champion with Blaise at Arabian Youth Nationals. That experience meant so much to me because it represented all the hard work, trust, and dedication we’ve built together.

How has being part of the equestrian community shaped you?  Being part of the equestrian community has helped me grow so much, both as a rider and as a person. It’s taught me confidence, resilience, and how to stay focused under pressure. The lessons I’ve learned in the show ring have carried over into other parts of my life as well.

What goals do you have for the future with your riding?  I definitely want to become a national champion with both of my horses. More than that, I want to keep building strong connections with Blaise and Retro, both in and out of the saddle. Every competition is an opportunity to learn, improve, and create new memories with them.

What have your horses taught you about perseverance?  They’ve taught me how important it is to stay calm and work through challenges, especially when things don’t go as planned. I’ve learned to problem-solve in the moment and communicate better with my horses. It’s all about staying patient and not giving up.

What advice would you give to other young riders?  I would say be patient, learn as much as you can, and really enjoy every ride. Not everyone gets the opportunity to work with such amazing animals, so don’t take it for granted. Dream big, care deeply, and make as many memories as you can along the way.