Sponsored Rider: Danielle LeBrecht

At an early age, Danielle LeBrecht demonstrated a love and understanding of animals. She tenderly and lovingly cared for any animal she could get her hands on, from nursing wild orphaned bunnies, to dressing her kitten, Love, in doll clothes and taking her for carriage rides. It was no surprise when this love of animals spilled over to horses.

Danielle was born and raised in the small town of Chuluota, Florida, which is just east of Orlando, and she first began riding at age 8, taking weekly lessons from area farms. Riding once a week soon proved not to be enough for Danielle, and she finally persuaded her parents two years later to purchase a large pony aptly named “Daddy’s Little Princess”. Not at all daunted by the fact that she was 10 years old and faced with the challenge of training her very green pony, Danielle joined the local 4-H club and set out on the task of training and nurturing her strong-willed, 5-year-old pony. Starting with the basics, they forged a love and partnership borne of mutual respect. A year and a half later, in 2007, they were named the Junior High point winner for Seminole County 4-H, Florida.

With the assistance of trainer Janet Gillespy of Ormond Beach, FL, Danielle moved on and competed at various hunter schooling and C” rated shows throughout the state of Florida, including the AHJF Hunter Challenge. They recently finished 8th in the AHJF Hunter Challenge for 2008.

In 2009, Danielle will be competing to qualify for both the Marshall and Sterling Hunter finals and USEF Green Pony Finals.

Danielle’s latest results:

Congratulations Danielle!