Sophia Harris
Born in Russia, I was very fortunate to immigrate to America when I was 5 with my parents. When I was about 6, my dad wanted to reward me for some good grades and took me on my very first trail ride. I was hooked. From then on, every opportunity I had, I was on a horse. (So, really, all of this is my dad's fault hehe).
When I was 10, I met a woman who would become my trainer and inspiration: Diane Slater. In Diane's barn, I learned all about horse care and got to train/show in eventing, one of the most exciting disciplines! I evented for years, and loved it. I got to experience the beauty of dressage, the courage of cross country, and the suspense of show jumping. The whole experience was thrilling.
When I moved to the Western Slope of Colorado, eventing was challenging to pursue because the nearest shows were at least 5 hours away. So I focused on dressage. I believe that dressage (done correctly) is beneficial for every horse. After all, "dressage" is the french word for "training". So, proper training is good for everyone! I use principles of dressage for all my horses, no matter in what discipline they show.
I found a lot of success with both Classical (English) Dressage and Western Dressage. The full list of my accomplishments can be found below, but my crowning jewel is winning the inaugural Western Dressage stakes class at the 2020 AQHA World Show. Such a proud and humbling moment for my horse and I!
My newest passion has become Reined Cowhorse. I find it similar to eventing in structure (both are triathlons) but so much more challenging because of the cow! If you want to see how soft your horse is (or not), put them on a cow. Cows expose all of your partnership's weaknesses. And I'm all about turning weaknesses into strengths.
I love to develop partnerships with horses and going out and showing off that unity. I love to show; it's an expression of who I am! Win or lose, I believe there is always a lesson to learn and ways to improve. I love the whole process: the preparation, the moment in the spotlight, the critique afterwards. Showing is my way of accomplishing my desire to be the best horsewoman that I can be.
Sophia's Accomplishments
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2020 AQHA World Show Western Dressage World Champion
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2020 Western Dressage Association of America Virtual World Show - Level 1 Open Division World Champion
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2020 Western Dressage Association of America Virtual World Show - Level 1, Test 4 Open World Champion
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2020 Western Dressage Association of America Virtual World Show - Level 1, Test 2 Open World Champion
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2019 AQHA High Point Champion - Training Level
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2019 Western Dressage Association of America World Show - 3rd in the World standings Level 1 Open
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2019 Western Dressage Association of America World Show - Level 1, Test 2 Open World Champion
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2019 Western Dressage Association of America World Show - 6th in the World standings Basic Level Open
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2019 Western Dressage Association of America World Show - Basic Level, Test 4 Open World Champion
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2018 AQHA High Point Champion - Second Level
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2018 US Dressage Finals Qualifier - 2nd Level Open
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2018 Western Dressage Association of America World Show - 6th in the world standings Level 2 Open Division
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2018 Grand Valley Dressage Society - Western Level 2 Open Champion
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2018 Grand Valley Dressage Society - 2nd Level Open Champion
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2018 Utah Dressage Society - 2nd Level Open Reserve Champion
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2017 AQHA High Point Champion - First Level
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2017 Western Dressage Association of America World Show - 3rd in world standings Level 1 Open Division
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2017 Rocky Mountain Dressage Society AQHA Breed Champion
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2017 Western Dressage Association of Colorado - Level 1 Open Champion
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2017 Utah Dressage Society - 2nd Level Open Reserve Champion
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2017 Grand Valley Dressage Society - Western High Point Champion (74.821%)
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2017 Grand Valley Dressage Society - 1st Level Open Champion
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2017 Grand Valley Dressage Society - 2nd Level Open Champion
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2017 Grand Valley Dressage Society - 3rd Level Open Reserve Champion
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2017 Grand Valley Dressage Society - Most Consistent Scores Champion
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2017 USDF Bronze Medalist
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2016 Grand Valley Dressage Society - 1st Level Open Champion
The only limit in our life is the limit of our own thinking.
-Bob Proctor
Your willingness to look at your darkness is what empowers you to change.
-Iyaula Vanzant
The secret to doing anything is believing that you can do it. Anything that you believe you can do strong enough, you can do. Anything. As long as you believe.
-Bob Ross