Sixteen-year-old Aubrey Moore has a special passion for riding and competing with her horse, Oly. Moore, a Wiregrass Ranch Junior, is a competitive rider on the weekends.

She began riding when she was nine-years-old after going to a birthday party at a barn. The feeling of riding made her the happiest she’d ever been.

“I love being on a horse and being able to control such a massive animal,” Moore explained. “You have no idea what this huge animal is going to do; you have to have a bond and trust each other.”

Moore competes in a variety of competitions; she has visited Wellington, Tampa, Sumter, Fish Hawk and many other places vying for that blue ribbon. Oly and Moore prepare for these competitions by working on skills such as tight turns and knowing when to take the jump

All of Moores’ hard work resulted in becoming the 2017 Grand Champion for the entire show circuit in two separate divisions. This means together Moore and Oly were the best in all eight shows that season out of everyone who showed.

Her most recent competition was September 26th through September 29th at the Central Florida Hunter Jumper Association in Tampa, Florida. People from all over the world competed at this competition. She placed fifth out of the thirty horses in her division.

Moore’s goal for her next competition is to show in the 1.05 meter height. She would also like to show in North Carolina and at the Winter Equestrian festival.

In the future, Moore hopes to go professional with her riding career. Her passion for riding is something Moore hopes to instill in the next generation.

“I want to see kids grow up around horses because you learn so much from it: how to be responsible, how to forgive, and make great friendships along the way,” Moore said. “It’s very rewarding.”

Gallery • 6 Photos

Moore

Moores' sister and father supporting her before a show.