A clear round in the Open 1.15m can have a far greater impact than simply providing an opportunity for a schooling round.

At the Desert Circuit in Thermal, CA, Zoie Brogdon rode Emilion to a fourth-place finish in such a class on Wednesday, Jan. 27, more than holding her own in open company. Brogdon is a 16-year-old Compton Junior Equestrians student-athlete. Compton Junior Equestrians, the Compton Cowboys and corporate sponsor Ariat International are providing opportunities for inner city youth to enter the horse show world and making it more accessible. The Compton Junior Equestrian program centers around riding instruction as well as academic achievement and character building.

Brogon finished just two places behind accomplished professional Mavis Spencer, who has been a strong supporter of the Compton Cowboys program. A talented young rider, Brogdon is definitely making the most of her opportunities.

Watch her round:

“[It’s] so amazing what these kids can do with the right support and opportunities,” wrote the Compton Junior Equestrians on Facebook.

“Major thanks and love to our @comptoncowboys family for being such amazing sponsors and mentors and role models. Y’all are the inspiration! Also sending heavy love to our corporate sponsor @ariatinternational for the abundance of support and resources, we love you more than you know! And of course, endless gratitude for our trainer Victoria from @ridersunitedusa whose passion and tireless dedication to our students is all the reason why this is possible. TEAMWORK makes the DREAM WORK!”

To learn more about the Compton Junior Equestrians, click here.