Riding Journey of Valeska F. ’26: Learning Through Every Horse

Valeska reflected on her experiences with the riding program at Foxcroft and lessons learned, and shared advice for young riders. Read the full interview with Ms. Kate and Valeska below.

Kate Worsham, Director of Instructional Riding at Foxcroft: When you arrived at Foxcroft as a freshman, what was your riding background?

Valeska F. ’26: I was definitely a beginner. Before Foxcroft, I only took about one lesson a week at a lesson barn, so I didn't have a lot of riding experience. Coming to Foxcroft was really exciting because suddenly there were so many opportunities available to me that I hadn't had before.

My early lessons in South Carolina focused on the basics — cross-rail courses, finding a rhythm, and developing consistency. I remember going to my first schooling show right before I came to Foxcroft, and I was still not convinced that competing was something that I wanted to explore further — especially after going off course! 

Discovering a Love for Competition

Ms. Kate: How did your perspective on horse shows change during your time at Foxcroft?

Valeska: At first, I wasn't particularly interested in horse shows. I wasn't sure they were something I wanted to do. But once I got to Foxcroft, that changed pretty quickly.

I got my first leased horse, who was this little brown nugget named Chino, and that allowed me to ride more regularly. The more I rode, the more I wanted to challenge myself. Horse shows became a way to measure my progress and gain valuable experience.

Over the next few years, I rode a wide variety of horses. One of my first proper horse shows was the Piedmont Jumper Classic with Chino. I took him to my first rated show and ended up placing sixth out of forty riders. That experience gave me confidence and showed me what was possible.

I remember being excited while watching my friend Cierra compete in the 1.15m at that show with Foxcroft and then talking with you about whether that would be a reasonable goal for me during my time at Foxcroft. I was inspired to learn that it seemed possible, so I set my sights on building the skills to do that. 

Lessons From Every Horse

Ms. Kate: You've ridden many different horses throughout your riding journey. Overall, what do you feel like these experiences taught you? 

Valeska: Every horse taught me something different.

One of the biggest lessons was learning to ride the horse that's underneath you on that particular day. Horses have different body types, different stride lengths, and different personalities. You have to adapt and meet them where they are each day. I learned exercises to help each horse find and sustain a quality canter so that my jumping work was more successful with each horse. 

That adaptability to ride many types of horses became one of the most important skills I developed.

Building Confidence and Decision-Making Skills

Ms. Kate: How did those experiences shape you as a rider?

Valeska: Chino, Blueberry, Sendy, Ferrari, Hank, Bo, and my newer post-Foxcroft ones have all challenged me in unique ways and helped me become a calmer and more decisive rider. Some horses were more insecure than others, and I learned that you can't approach every ride the same way. Some horses needed to draw their confidence from me and my plan for the ride, and others could help me more readily when I was having a learning moment.

Early on in my riding at Foxcroft, Chino taught me about pace and body control. Blueberry helped me learn how to transfer confidence to my horse while jumping. Sendy taught me about the importance of choosing the right path for the horse even if it was different than the path that I had imagined for myself. Ferrari was a naturally confident mare who met me where I was, and so I was able to catch-ride her to a win in the 1.15m Classic at Upperville. Hank and Bo had the athleticism to help push me to be even more decisive and competitive in the show ring.

No matter what type of horse you have, horses are looking to their riders for leadership. If you're uncertain, they feel that. I learned that being a confident partner helps your horse feel secure and perform better.

Foxcroft gave me a really strong foundation, which added to my confidence on so many different horses. By the time I moved on to more advanced levels, I felt prepared because I had already learned how to think through problems and make decisions in the moment.

Another huge factor was being coachable. I've always tried to stay open to feedback and trust the people helping me improve. The riders who continue to grow are usually the ones who are willing to listen and learn.

The Importance of Horsemanship

Ms. Kate: What role did horsemanship play in your development?

Valeska: It played a huge role.

The more involved I became in groundwork and horse care, the more I understood what my horses needed from me. Learning how to set boundaries, communicate clearly, and pay attention to their behavior made me a better rider.

Being present and listening to your horse is incredibly important. They tell you a lot if you're willing to pay attention.

Moving Up the Levels

Ms. Kate: What was the transition to higher levels of competition like?

Valeska: It was exciting and rewarding.

When I moved to California, I set a goal of jumping 1.20m by the end of the season. Not only did I reach that goal, but I surpassed it.

The process was challenging, but it was also incredibly fulfilling because I could see the results of all the work I had put in over the years. I was grateful for the foundation my previous trainers had given me and for everything I had learned at Foxcroft.

Again, being coachable made a huge difference. Progress happens much faster when you're willing to hear feedback and apply it.

Looking Ahead

Ms. Kate: What goals are you working toward now?

Valeska: I'm looking forward to competing in places like Las Vegas and Ocala, and I'm planning to step back into the 1.40m divisions.

One of my biggest goals is to compete in a Grand Prix at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. A class like that is something I've been working toward for a long time.

I also think it's important to have consistency in your training and to stay involved in every aspect of the sport. The more you understand your horses and your program, the more successful you'll be.

A Message for Young Riders

Ms. Kate: Looking back on your journey, what advice would you give to younger riders?

Valeska: Be open, be earnest, and work hard.

The opportunities I've had didn't happen overnight. They came from showing up every day, listening to people who were trying to help me, and being willing to do all the work that happens outside the show ring.

If you're coachable, committed, and genuinely invested in learning, people notice. Those qualities open doors.

Every horse has something to teach you, and every experience helps you grow. Looking back, that's what my journey has really been about—learning from each horse, each challenge, and each opportunity along the way.