Barn Days, Big Dreams: Meet Fifi

I met Sofia at The Ridge at Wellington Groves through being part of the community and supporting their shows. From the start, I saw a reflection of myself in Fifi—a horse-crazy girl who will do any barn chore, set up hobby horse jumps, and show up simply for the sake of being around horses. And of course, I loved the riding part, too—maybe obsessed is a better choice of words.

I admire Fifi’s dedication to the sport and the amount of care she puts into horsemanship. I truly believe she is going to go far in her riding career while keeping her core values close to her along the way. I feel so lucky to have gotten to know Fifi better by sitting down with her at her home in Wellington, Florida. And if you don’t know Fifi yet, you’re about to get to know her.

1. How did you first get into riding?

I got into riding because my grandma used to ride, and she still does really. My mom also rides. They both put me on a horse when I was a baby. They tried to take me off, and I was not happy. I never looked back from there.

2. You’ve shown at Horse Spot shows at The Ridge. How was your experience?

I have had an amazing experience. The showing overall is really nice—the grounds are amazing, everyone is really nice, and they have an Olympic rider there that’s great to learn off of. I love the jumps, and they also have a lot of cute dogs. On the plus side, they also have a free food stand. When it comes to signing up for shows, I know my mom and my trainer have been managing my entries for a long time. My mom always mentions it’s super easy to use Horse Spot.

3. Tell us about your ponies/horses!

I started riding when I was a baby on my Grandma’s horse and then continued at a riding school in Spain. I got my first ever pony—her name is Cyndi, and I still have her to this day. She does the little bitty classes, and sometimes we take her to the hunter shows. She now has her new little rider, Emma. I got my new pony Flash and started doing the litty bitty classes on him, and we did really well. We moved up to .85s pony jumpers, we took him to pony finals, and rode together on the Longines tour. He’s overall such a great pony that takes really great care of me.

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

When I first got Champion on my pony Flash. He was such a good boy that day. I loved it overall and think he did such a great job. When I went to Longines, we did such a great clear round. We didn’t even get to see the ring—we went straight in, there was all sorts of spooky stuff outside, and we did a perfect job, with a nice clear round.

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

I stay focused, and I listen to my trainer. I don’t get myself too hyped up. I stay calm with my pony, but at the same time, I love to win and go fast.

6. What are some of your riding goals?

I want to get a horse and do the Grand Prix heights when I’m older. I want to be a nice, consistent rider that goes clean. I also want to have a great bond with my horse.

I also think horsemanship is a really good thing because having a nice bond with your horse can also help you in the ring. Your horse can trust you more. Plus, I also love helping around in the barn, and I just love horses.

7. Who inspires you most in the horse world?

The person who inspires me most is Jessica Mendoza because she is also from the United Kingdom like me. She is very inspirational and a great role model. I think she’s an incredible rider. She’s such a great one. I also really enjoy watching Caroline Mawhinney ride. I recently saw her show in the Grand Prix with an incredible round. 

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

Have a good bond with your horse, stay focused, work hard, and never give up.

Always look forward. Never look back.

And always listen to your trainer.

9. What have you been excited about recently?

I am most excited about this season, maybe going to pony finals this year, and getting a new horse.

There’s also a lot of new members at the barn, including my friend Addison, who just got a new pony, Alfie. There’s so many new things going on. I’m also excited to go to the show at the Ridge again and maybe even have a clinic with Nona Garson.

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

It has to be Cyndi. She’s so sweet. I’ve had her for such a long time. She’s always taken care of me, even when she puts on her sassy pants. She’s a little black pony, and everyone knows her because she’s been around for so long.