Evelyn Galasso wants you to know this: she may be horse-obsessed, but she’s also an equestrian.

As a matter of fact, she’s a champion equestrian.

The Providence Day junior and her horse Blaze recently competed in the United States Hunter Jumper Association Zone Three Championship, which includes North Carolina, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. The pair took second place, and Evelyn was named Reserve Champion.

“I was a little nervous because this was my first Zone Championship course,” Evelyn says. “But it went amazing. The top six did a victory lap, and it was so fun. I couldn’t stop smiling.”

From there, Evelyn competed in the 66th annual Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) in October in Washington, D.C., an event that features and draws Olympic competitors alongside highly-ranked international horses and riders.

“Sadly, we did hit a rail in the first round, so we didn’t make it to the jump off,” she says. “But the ride was so good, so I'm not upset. I’m so grateful for my trainer, parents, and everyone who cheered me on. And, of course, Blaze for earning a spot to compete.”

The WIHS is a points-based system, and points are earned throughout the year at various shows. The qualifying period for 2024 is from September 1 through August 31. The top 25 junior riders will be invited to compete based on their points earned during the qualifying period.

The beginning

Evelyn started riding when she was five years old. Her parents paid for five lessons with a $99 Groupon at a local schooling barn in Waxhaw.

“They like to joke it's the most expensive Groupon ever because 12 years later, I'm still riding,” Evelyn says. “I loved being with the horses so much and instantly fell in love. I've always loved animals since I was little and being able to work with horses is just incredible.”

Ever since she was a little girl, Evelyn also has loved watching the GrandPrixs, a show jumping event featuring the most prize money, biggest jumps, and highest level of competition. Grand Prix courses are technical and complex, with tighter turns, fences jumped at angles, and combinations with unusual distances in between jumps. Jumpers are judged objectively, and riders with the fastest times and least amount of faults (knocking over rails) win.

Three years ago, Evelyn began training with Fabian Herrera of FH Equestrian in Charlotte. She rides five days a week and tacks, untacks, and cleans her horse. The student-athlete is usually at the barn for several hours after school every day.

And a little more than two years ago she bought her first horse named Blaze.

Just a girl and her horse

Blaze is a Zangersheide warmblood — a type of breed known for showjumping. He was born in Argentina on January 27, 2016. His color coat is bay, meaning he has brown fur, and he has a blaze on his face.

Evelyn’s mom, Melisa, describes him as a “gigantic teenager who loves to eat.”

Evelyn calls Blaze “practically my whole life.”

“I always have so much fun riding him, and each day, we understand each other better and better,” she says. “We continued to accelerate with each other. He is the sweetest boy and has such a fun and strong personality. I couldn’t imagine what my life would be like without him. The time that I spend with him is priceless to me. I couldn’t have asked for a better horse.”

Part of competing means taking care of her horse. Blaze received an off day and a light lesson prior to the competition at WIHS. On the morning of show day, Evelyn woke up at 4:30 a.m. so she could introduce Blaze to the indoor arena at 6 a.m. — his first time competing indoors.

After warm-ups and competition, Blaze’s after-care is important, too.

“One of the biggest parts about showing is after-care, so we make sure to attend to all of Blaze's needs,” she says. “We also gave him lots of treats.”

‘A dream come true’

The Washington International Horse Show, held annually in October, is one of the most prestigious and competitive equestrian sporting events in North America, according to its website. It’s also an FEI World Cup Qualifier.

WIHS brings together the finest and most talented horses and riders from around the world for seven days of top jumper, hunter, and equitation competition, equestrian entertainment, and community and charity events, according to its website.

“Riding horses is so hard to describe because there really isn't anything like it,” Evelyn says. “It's pure adrenaline while jumping. The most important thing is to trust yourself. Everything that we have been training for prepares us for what comes next.”

Her goal before graduating Providence Day is to do a mini prix, similar to a grand prix but smaller. She also signed up for the North American League this year, which is a few levels above WIHS. Evelyn will compete next at Split Rock in Aiken, South Carolina.

“I’m super excited to see what happens next,” she says. “However, competition isn’t the main factor for me. In my opinion, just being with my horse and having the opportunity to call Blaze mine is a dream come true.”

Evelyn says spending time with horses allows her to see the beauty of them, physically and mentally. On her "day off" she volunteers at Mighty Riders, which is a barn that provides therapeutic riding for special needs children. She helps care for the horses used in the program.

“Working with horses keeps me grounded and somehow makes me feel both pride and humility,” she says. “ My goal after college is to pursue a career in horse rehabilitation to help even more animals recover from injuries and return to their roles in the best possible shape. These animals give so much to humans, and I believe we must give them love and support in return.”