Lowcountry Rider Rising. Meet our Spotlight Rider: Sofia Chaudry

This month’s Spotlight Rider is especially close to my heart. I’ve watched Sofia Chaudry grow up in our own barn—from her pony days to confidently riding Snow Globe—and I couldn’t be more proud of the rider and person she’s become. Training under Eliza Hay at Rivers Edge Farm in Wadmalaw Island, SC, Sofia has become a bright, steady presence in our barn community. She’s the first to say hello to kids and adults alike, she shows immense respect for Eliza, and she leads by example both in and out of the ring. We’re thrilled to feature her as our November Spotlight Rider.

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1. How did you first get into riding?

When I was younger, I loved horses and wanted to try riding. My dad had a friend who owned horses, so he called them and asked for the biggest horse they had. He put me on him, and I started sobbing. A few years later, I asked if I could try again, and I smiled. We came to Rivers Edge to start riding because I loved it.

2. What’s your favorite part of the Sea Island Show at Mullet Hall Equestrian Center?

I love how it’s close to home and how the community is very local, so you know a lot of the people there.

3. You’re riding your new horse, Snow Globe. Tell us all about him!

He’s 9 years old. He’s a Belgian Warmblood. He’s very social and very sweet. He loves getting pets, resting his head on you, and being around people.

4. Tell us about the riding program you participate in with the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA). What’s it like riding on a team?

It’s fun having all your friends there. It helps you grow as a rider by experiencing how different all the horses are.

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5. What do you think you do best as a rider, and what are you working on?

If I mess something up, I try my hardest to fix it, and I’ll work on it a lot. I need to work on helping Snow Globe be more confident over the jumps and more focused on them.

6. Who inspires you most in the horse world?

My trainer Eliza and Ally. They both have different ways of training, but both are beneficial. They help you master what you need to before you move on.

7. What advice would you give to younger riders or pony kids just starting out?

The equestrian community can be harsh, so you can’t let anyone stop you from riding.

If you have a scary fall, you need to work through it and keep going because those can be a confidence knock.

8. What have you been excited about recently?

We recently bought Snow Globe. I’m really happy to keep riding him and continue my career with him.

9. Who is your all-time favorite heart horse?

Aside from Snow Globe, it’s Fanny. She was my first lease, and she’s the cutest, fluffiest pony in this barn.

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Sofia brings heart, dedication, and kindness to every corner of the barn, and it’s been a privilege to watch her journey unfold. We can’t wait to see where she and Snow Globe go next. Congratulations, Sofia, on all of your successes in and out of the ring.

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