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Sophia Chavonelle is an eighteen-year-old rider from Maine who has been in love with horses her entire life. Sophia joined the family of Vienna Farm in 2011, where she began her journey in dressage. Since then, Sophia has had the privilege to ride several horses of all levels in clinics and shows around New England.

Under the tutelage of Tanya Rennie, Sophia and Tanya’s horse DeJure, competed from Training Level through Third Level in an amazing three years, with scores into the 70’s. The duo earned high placings at each level for their Region’s Championships and Year End awards. In 2016, Sophia earned the prestigious USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year award for her “dedication to dressage and the ability to be a positive role model for other youth, through exceptional volunteerism.” In the same year, Sophia met her first owned horse, W Spotlight, a 2008 Westfalen gelding by Sir Donnerhall. The pair immediately began training at the FEI Junior level.

In 2018, they earned a spot on the Region 8 North American Youth Championship team. This was an incredible honor as well as learning experience for both. Now, Sophia has taken a working student position for Ashley Madison (former Vienna Farm member herself) and Yellow Wood Dressage at the beautiful Riveredge Farms in Chesapeake City, Maryland. This new team plans to focus on and refine Sophia and Spotlight at the Young Rider level in 2019.