With her mother being a veterinarian and a polo rider, Winifred Branscum has been riding ever since the young age of 5. Now, at age 13, Branscum has proved to be a talented equestrian.

Branscum takes lessons at Royal Oaks Equestrian Center and Great Griffin Farm, keeping her horses at her house in Foristell. She has two horses, This Means War and Wish Upon a Star. She competes in eventing, jumping and polo. In addition to showing in the Missouri Horse Shows Association circuit, Branscum plans to attend the United States Polo Association Middle School tournaments this summer.

With her horses living on her family’s property, Branscum gets to spend a lot of time with them. She is able to bond with them and create lots of memories with them.

“I love the connection and bond that you create once you have worked and competed with the horse. No one else will ever know how happy you are in the show ring or on the cross country course, only the horses do. Also what comes with being able to spend those moments together is a forever trust in each other, that you will always have, even through the worst times.” said Branscum.

Her favorite memory of horses comes from when she was younger and got to ride polo ponies with Steve Orthwein. Branscum was inspired by Orthwein, who was one time the top amateur U.S. polo player.

Her proudest moment with her horses is when she won 2017 Area IV Beginner Novice Open Regionals on War. Her goal for the 2018 show season is to win the Area IV Novice Regionals on War and win the the Area IV Beginner Novice Regionals on Wish.

Though you’ll see Branscum competing at shows throughout Missouri, her favorite place to compete is Tryon International Equestrian Center. She enjoys the views there as well as the amenities for short and long stays. Branscum competes in multiple divisions, however her favorite thing to do is cross country.

“I love how you get to just fly around and jump odd looking obstacles with your life companion and forget about everything else.”

Though she spends most of her time with her horses, she also enjoys running and reading. She is dedicated to her horses and has set goals for her riding.

“I would really like to be competing 1* by the time I am 18, and 4* by 21, eventually a professional event rider!”

Branscum is a talented rider with a bright future ahead of her. She has already seen success in the saddle and is hoping to continue to achieve her goals