REGION 5 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Sara Barnwell

My name is Sara Barnwell and I live in Michigan.  I started riding about ten years ago to fulfill a childhood dream.  My fabulous trainer, Alex Tyson, introduced me to Working Equitation.  Before WE, I had no show experience and had no intention of showing.  I started going to the Michigan WE shows to help and watch Alex and others from our barn.  I went to shows for about two years before I competed at my first show.  The people I met were kind and supportive as I went from spectator to (very nervous) competitor.   I am really committed to encouraging others who pursue working equitation, especially our awesome youth riders. 

We have amazing kids in this sport!  One of my greatest moments was a couple of years ago when my trainer gave me and one of the youth riders matching shirts that said “Working Equitation Top Cheerleader.”  Being able to support others and having the kids in our area think of me as their “horse show Auntie” is incredibly rewarding.  

2024 will be my fifth year competing in WE and I was recently elected to represent Region 5 on the USAWE board.  I have many goals this year – personally as I continue to develop as a rider and competitor and as a volunteer for USAWE.  I am thankful for all of the amazing friends I have met through working equitation and appreciate everyone who has contributed to my journey as a rider and competitor.