About Me
My name is Harper Malott, and I am a 16-year-old Junior at Ladue Horton Watkins High School in St. Louis, Missouri. I am pursuing the opportunity to compete as part of a collegiate equestrian team where I can continue to grow as both an athlete and a person.
I began riding when I was 10 years old, and horses have been at the center of my life ever since. While I love the challenge and competition of the sport, what has had the greatest impact on me is the equestrian community. Through riding, I have learned the value of hard work, dedication, perseverance, and responsibility. Every early morning, long day at the barn, and lesson learned in and out of the show ring has shaped the person I am today.
I strive to be coachable, dependable, and supportive of those around me. Whether I am working toward a personal goal or cheering on my teammates, I believe success comes from commitment, a positive attitude, and a willingness to keep learning.
As I begin the college recruiting process, I am excited to find a program where I can contribute to a team culture, continue developing as a rider, and represent my school with integrity, determination, and sportsmanship.
Personal Mission Statement:
To pursue excellence in the equestrian sport while leading with integrity, determination, and humility. I strive to be a coachable teammate who embraces challenges, supports those around me, and represents my team, school, and community with sportsmanship both in and out of the show ring.
My Personal Vision:
My vision is to compete for a collegiate equestrian program where I can contribute to a winning team culture while continuing to grow as a rider, student, and leader. I hope to build lifelong relationships, inspire others through my work ethic and passion for horses, and leave every team I join stronger than I found it.
Why Collegiate Riding?
Horses have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and the sport has shaped who I am both in and out of the ring. Over the years, I have balanced school with riding six days a week, caring for horses, and competing at nationally rated horse shows, which has taught me discipline, resilience, and time management. I want to ride collegiately because I am excited to be part of a team that shares my passion, work ethic, and commitment to excellence. Although riding is often an individual sport, I value the opportunity to contribute to something bigger than myself by supporting my teammates and working toward our shared goals. Collegiate riding is the next step in my growth as both an equestrian and a person, and I look forward to representing my university with dedication, integrity, and pride.
My journey in the equestrian world has never been a solo endeavor. I have been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by dedicated trainers, supportive family members, and lifelong friends who have believed in me and invested in my growth since I first began riding at 10 years old. From early mornings at the barn to long days on the road and the pressure of the show ring, they have encouraged me to push beyond my limits while reminding me to enjoy the journey. Their unwavering support has been the foundation of every milestone I've achieved.
One of the greatest lessons this sport has taught me is that success is never accomplished alone. While the rider may be the one in the ring, every accomplishment reflects the commitment of an entire team working toward a common goal. My trainers have challenged me to become a better rider, my family has made countless sacrifices to help me pursue my dreams, and my friends have celebrated both my victories and my setbacks. They have taught me that a strong team helps you reach your goals, while your family keeps you humble, grounded, and focused on what truly matters.
Team/Family
Riding/ Training Program
I train under Sydney Hott at Notting Hill Farms, where I focus primarily on the Hunters and Equitation disciplines while also competing in the Jumpers to develop versatility and confidence. I have competed in all major 3'3" Equitation classes, including the EMO Insurance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search, and have also competed in the ASPCA Maclay and Dover Medal at 3'6" and competed with an IEA team.
I ride six days a week, participate in 4–6 professional lessons each week, and spend 4–8 hours a day at the barn, depending on my riding schedule. I believe becoming a great rider extends far beyond time in the saddle, so I take pride in managing every aspect of horse care, including grooming, wrapping legs, braiding for competitions, packing for horse shows, feeding, and cleaning tack. These daily responsibilities have strengthened my horsemanship, attention to detail, work ethic, and appreciation for the partnership between horse and rider.
Riding
I approach riding as a year-round athletic commitment. In addition to my riding schedule, I follow a structured fitness program five days a week, incorporating strength training and Pilates to improve my core stability, balance, flexibility, and overall athletic performance.
I am committed to continual improvement and understand that success in collegiate equestrian competition requires physical fitness, mental toughness, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. Whether I am preparing for a national final or an everyday lesson, I bring focus, discipline, and a positive attitude to every opportunity to learn and grow.