How Community Shaped Lavarus Washington

When I reached out to Coach Mac at BridgeUP GiddyUP, it wasn’t just because I admire what she’s building — it’s because our organizations are rooted in the same belief.

Community comes first.

Coach Mac once shared that one of the reasons she chose to work with Horse Spot was our emphasis on community. That meant a lot. It’s the foundation of everything we do.

And it’s exactly what BridgeUP GiddyUP embodies.

Through rigorous horsemanship training aligned with European standards, along with fitness education, leadership development, and intentional mentorship, the program is doing far more than teaching young people to ride. It’s building belonging. It’s shaping character. It’s cultivating leadership.

So I asked Coach Mac if we could spotlight a rider who makes a difference within their community.

She had someone in mind.

Lavarus Washington — a high school senior, leader among his peers, aspiring electrical engineer, and aspirational stunt rider for major Hollywood films.

The interview itself was a complete surprise to him.

What followed was one of the most honest and reflective conversations I’ve had with a young rider—the kind that stays with you long after it ends. I can't stop thinking about it. Once you're done reading his responses, I think you'll share the same feelings.

1. How did you first get into riding, and how did you first hear about BridgeUP GiddyUP?

When I first got into riding, I was kind of questioning myself. I was thinking, what am I doing here? Is this a path I want to take in my future?

At the time, I was just playing football. I liked horses, but I never thought they would become a part of my life. My mom got a phone call from Coach Mac telling her about the program, and she agreed for me to join.

When I first got here, I’m not going to lie — I thought, yeah, this isn’t for me. The barn stinks. I didn’t really know how to deal with animals. I wasn’t close to animals like that.

But over the years, I became more and more into it. I started realizing there’s more to it than just riding. There are things outside of riding that are still part of horse riding — like horsemanship, field trips, and community.

One time we all dressed up in tuxedos thinking we were just going somewhere fancy, and it ended up being this whole hidden restaurant downstairs. It brought our families together and gave us chances to meet new people in the program. It blew my mind.

That’s when I started feeling encouraged to come out more and experience new things in life.

2. Can you describe what riding a horse for the first time felt like?

Riding a horse for the first time felt like fear and encouragement at the same time.

As soon as I put my foot in the stirrup and sat down, I felt the energy between me and the horse. It made me calm, but also really engaged. I had never been that engaged before.

It’s like everything else kind of washes away.

3. Tell me about the horses you ride. Do you have a favorite?

I don’t really have a favorite — I love them all.

But if I had to choose, it would be Lulu, one of our smallest ponies.

With her, you have to be calm, but you also have to be direct. If you’re not communicating right, she’ll get spicy. She’ll stop, buck, or just decide to do what she wants.

She taught me a lot about checking myself — my body position, my contact, how I’m sitting. She taught me to stop blaming things on the horse and look at what I’m doing first.

Another one I really enjoy riding is Ava. She’s very understanding and listens to what the rider is trying to do. Riding her feels smooth and connected.

‍4. What’s been your proudest moment as a rider?

My proudest moment is when I’m trying to learn something new and I’m able to accomplish it.

When I finally master something and get to show it in a competition or a show, and someone points it out — that makes me feel really good inside. Because I know I worked hard for it.

It’s one of the best feelings.

5. What’s something about horse care or horsemanship that has surprised you?

What surprised me most is how fast horses can feel your energy.

They can sense any kind of energy, and they can change their energy just as fast. Sometimes it feels like they know your emotions before you even realize what you’re feeling.

It’s crazy.

The horse will show my emotions before I even recognize them. That taught me a lot about controlling and shifting my emotions — not just at the barn, but in life.

If horses weren’t in my life, I probably wouldn’t be where I am today. They’ve helped me work on myself.

6. What do you think you do best as a rider?

What I think I do best as a rider is being helpful and supportive.

I try to help my teammates with grooming and tacking. I try to be dependable. I may not always be available, but whenever I can help, I do.

Before events, I encourage everyone. I try to be there for whoever needs support.

7. Have you made friendships through BridgeUP GiddyUP?

It’s really like family.

We’ve grown up together through this program. When someone new joins, we make sure they feel welcome. Nobody gets left out.

Sometimes I think about what life would be like if Coach Mac never called my mom. That’s a crazy thought.

This program changed my life.

8. What are your dreams or goals for the future — in or out of horses?

After graduation, I plan on going to Southwest for electrical engineering. If I really like it, I’ll transfer and work toward my bachelor’s degree. If not, I might go into welding.

But I also want to become an actor — specifically a stunt double who performs on top of horses in movies or shows.

And when I feel like I’ve reached success, I want to give back to my community. I want to build a stable in Memphis where people can not only learn to ride but also learn how horses benefit us as human beings.

9. What advice would you give to younger riders just starting out?

Do what your heart desires.

"Always leave room to experience something new, because you never know what life might bring to the table."

10. How has BridgeUP GiddyUP helped shape your confidence and leadership skills? And how do you give back?

The program helped shape my confidence and leadership by surrounding me with supportive friends and teaching me how to carry myself — whether I’m competing or training.

I always want to show my full potential.

I give back by showing support and love. If I see someone by themselves, I’ll go talk to them. I know what it feels like to feel alone, so I try to make sure everybody feels welcome.

11. Who inspires you most in the horse world?

A professional dressage trainer named Avery inspired me.

Watching him work showed me that I don’t have to be aggressive to communicate with a horse. I can be calm and understanding and still get results.

That changed my perspective.