Sophia Chavonelle is a USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist based in southern Maine. An active member of the dressage community since 2013, Sophia is also a Region 8 PM Delegate, USDF Youth Programs Advisory Subcommittee member, and the New England Dressage Association’s Youth Liaison.
In 2016 she earned the USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year award, an annual recognition of the volunteerism of young riders from around the country. With her horse W Spotlight, Sophia competed at the 2018 North American Youth Championships on the Region 8 Junior team. Sophia also attended the Dressage Foundation’s 2019 Young Rider International Dream Program at the CHIO Aachen. Both of these events greatly enhanced Sophia’s desire to one day be a U.S. Team rider. Now, Sophia and Spotlight are competing at the FEI Young Rider level with big plans for the future.
Sophia has been riding in Schleese saddles for her entire riding career. Her new Let’s Dance (with beautiful silver piping and patent leather accents) has transformed the communication between her and Spotlight, and has been an integral part of making the leap from Juniors to Young Riders a successful one.
Photo Credit: Sophia Sawyer Photography