One of my earliest memories is visiting the ranch near our old house in New Mexico. My love of horses started from a young age and has continued to grow. I cannot remember a day that I wasn’t excited for the chance to go to the barn, whether it was to do chores, learn how to take a horse’s temperature, or getting to ride and jump – I was always happy to go. My love of horses, my passion for riding, and my dedication to animal welfare are the traits that define me as a person.
I train with Olivia Dawson-Grove at Dawson Grove. My recent competition highlights include Champion in the R.W. Mutch Equitation Championship, Champion in the 3’6″ CPHA Medal Finals (1st in all 3 rounds), Res. Champion in the Platinum Performance Talent Search Finals West (1st in Gymnastics Phase, 2nd in Jumping Phase, 4th in Flat Phase) and 6th in the Gladstone Final (5th in the first round, 3rd in the second round). I was also 5th (highest placing junior) in the $35,000 International Derby at Blenheim and Res. Champion in the $10,000 National Derby at Woodside.
I’m currently a senior at Laurel Springs Academy and am excited to join the UC Davis D1 Equestrian Team starting in the Fall of 2024 with Coach Jill Humphrey. I maintain a weighted 4.35 GPA (unweighted 4.0 GPA) and am enrolled in all AP and Honors classes. I was also recently awarded 1st Place at the California State Science and Engineering Fair and Grand Prize and the Chevron Ingenuity Award at the Golden Gate STEM Fair for my project on using embedded sensors to detect abnormal movement in quadrupeds. My results led to being named an International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Finalist and winning 4th place in Animal Sciences at ISEF; I am currently pursuing a patent for my design. In addition to my equestrian activities and science research, I enjoy playing as a left forward in club soccer, playing piano and trumpet, and volunteering for my non-profit, EcoLogic Health, to promote environmental sustainability and volunteering for Rescue the Underdog to help find homes for unwanted animals.
~ Sabine Close