Favorite Quote: “Behind every smile is a story of numerous challenges and hardships that were overcome.” ~ Jahseh Onfroy
Seventeen year old Lavarus Washington was nominated by friend and mentor, Steven Blakely. Having no knowledge of horses whatsoever, Steven had the privilege of meeting Lavarus when he was asked to speak to the young riders of Bridge Up Giddy Up, an equine riding program in Memphis that “provides youth with a unique track to personal development through the medium of horseback riding,” according to https://www.bridgeup.org/giddyup.
Steven explains, “As soon as I met Lavarus, he showed his true character and joy of riding horses,” giving a tour of the barn and sharing a wealth of equine knowledge along the way. Lavarus joined Bridge Up Giddy Up approximately three years ago and has been participating in equestrian sports for over two years now, competing in several horse shows.
Steven describes Lavarus as “highly motivated and can accomplish what he wants, no matter how high [of a goal he sets].” He continues, “Lavarus has routinely shown me that he is a man of integrity, honesty, wholeheartedness, and is extremely hard working.”
McKrell Baier, Director of Bridge Up Giddy Up and Lavarus’ trainer, says what makes Lavarus want to ride is “the partnership and excitement that is possible with another animal when done with skill & kindness.” With that motive in mind, it is no surprise Lavarus’ favorite disciplines are Dressage and Show Jumping. In fact, McKrell praises Lavarus’ biggest accomplishment as “riding flawless show jumping rounds at home & competitions!” He explains, “Lavarus is a natural talent but really gets the results he does because of the empathy and kindness he always shows his equine partners.” Challenges Lavarus faces are remembering courses and dressage tests.
Recent success Lavarus has achieved is being one of the first five young riders in United States history to complete the internationally standardized prerequisites required to enter the Global Equestrian Level One Riding Instructor Certification course. Short-term goals of his are competing in the 0.90m Show Jumping division on two ponies, Lulu and Wendy, this fall and competing at the 1.0m height this winter with Wendy. In ten years, Lavarus sees himself “owning his own barbershop (for humans), marketing and distributing his ‘Ethical Equestrian Edge’ grooming products, and being an internationally licensed rider, trainer, & instructor.”
His favorite quote is by Jahseh Onfroy: “Behind every smile is a story of numerous challenges and hardships that were overcome.”
Age:
17
Discipline:
Dressage & Show Jumping
Hometown:
Memphis, Tennessee
Trainer:
McKrell & Christian Baier, Directors of Bridge Up Giddy Up
School:
Whitehaven High School
