ALYSSA

1. How long have you attended Taking the Reins?
I’ve been attending TTR on and off since i was 8 years old.

2. What is your post high school plan? If you are going to college, please provide the school and major.
My post high school plans are to go to San Francisco state university and major in nursing.

3. What your favorite Taking the Reins memory?
My favorite Taking the Reins memory is when our Sunday class had the property to ourselves and we would let the Minis, Jack Jack, and sheep roam around while we did all of our activities throughout the day.

4. What lessons learned at Taking the Reins will you take with you on this next phase of life?
A lesson I’ve learned from Taking the Reins is to be open and kind to everyone you meet. I have made so many friends through TTR and have met so many great people throughout my time here. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

5. What makes Taking the Reins special?
Taking the reins is special in so many ways, the amount of support they provide in all shapes and forms, whether it’s if you need it emotionally, school wise, or anything of the sort.

6. How did Taking the Reins shape the next chapter of your life?
Taking the Reins has taught me to be more of a leader and to take charge in things, it has also taught me a lot of responsibility and organization.

7. List three words/feelings you associate with your time at Taking the Reins.
memorable, exciting, comforting

8. Anything else you’d like to add

I’ve really loved my time here even with ups and downs. And i’d like to make a huge shoutout to Liz for always being there for me no matter what. I truly love her.

KATE

1. How long have you attended Taking the Reins?
I have attended TTR for 7 years

2. What is your post high school plan? If you are going to college, please provide the school and major.
I will be attending UC Berkeley and majoring in Environmental Earth Science

3. What your favorite Taking the Reins memory?
My favorite TTR memory is trotting through the sprinklers with Cyzzle!

4. What lessons learned at Taking the Reins will you take with you on this next phase of life?
TTR has taught me empathy, leadership, teamwork, and patience. Working with a horse is tough, and it requires a balance of confidence and empathy. Through working with horses and fellow TTR students, I have been able to learn these valuable skills.

5. What makes Taking the Reins special?
Taking the Reins is special because it focuses on helping girls grow into their best selves. I would not be the person I am today without TTR. I was able to grow out of my shell and believe in myself. Through the lessons TTR offers, girls also learn about themselves and how to make the world a better place.

6. How did Taking the Reins shape the next chapter of your life?
The animal husbandry program introduced me to animal care, inspiring me to look into the field of animal conservation. I am currently looking at being a wildlife veterinarian after grad school. TTR has also taught me to believe in myself and my capabilities as a leader, inspiring me and building my confidence.

7. List three words/feelings you associate with your time at Taking the Reins.
Growth, Compassion, Family

SALLY

1. How long have you attended Taking the Reins?
9 years

2. What is your post high school plan? If you are going to college, please provide the school and major.
I will be attending Cal Poly San Luis Obisbo as an Animal Science major!

3. What your favorite Taking the Reins memory?
When I was about 10 or 11, I was really anxious around all the animals at TTR. One day, my Cowgirl Corner group and I were hanging out in the arena with Marbles, Cassie, and Joker. Suddenly, Marbles walked right up to me. I was nervous at first, but I remember how gentle her eyes looked and I remember it made me feel like everything was going to be okay. Then she rested her head in my lap, and for the first time, I felt truly calm around an animal.

4. What lessons learned at Taking the Reins will you take with you on this next phase of life?
To lead with grace. As team captain at Taking the Reins, I learned that not everyone, human or horse, learns the same way. Leading meant balancing patience, empathy, and adaptability, and I believe those lessons will guide me through every challenge ahead.

5. What makes Taking the Reins special?
What makes Taking the Reins special is how deeply everyone cares. Not just about the horses, but about each other. It’s a place where people genuinely want to see you grow. Whether you’re leading your first horse, facing a fear, or stepping into a leadership role, there’s always someone there to support you, encourage you, and believe in you.

6. How did Taking the Reins shape the next chapter of your life?
Taking the Reins shaped my confidence more than anything. It taught me how to be a strong rider, a capable leader, and most importantly, how to believe in myself. I truly believe I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.

7. List three words/feelings you associate with your time at Taking the Reins?
Empowered, Connected and Transformed.

SKYE

1. How long have you attended Taking the Reins?
I’ve attended TTR since 6th grade.

2. What is your post high school plan? If you are going to college, please provide the school and major.
My post highschool plan is taking a gap year then attending Colorado State University with a major of Equine Sciences.

3. What your favorite Taking the Reins memory?
My favorite TTR memory would have to be when Dolce was still at the barn and my first ride with him when I absolutely fell in love with him.

4. What lessons learned at Taking the Reins will you take with you on this next phase of life?
Lessons I have learned at TTR that I will definitely carry with me would have to be learning how to calm myself down quickly in stressful situations, which is very valuable to me.

5. What makes Taking the Reins special?
What makes TTR special is the bond it gives you with the animals and the bond you can create with the girls you meet there.

6. How did Taking the Reins shape the next chapter of your life?
TTR really opened my eyes on how much love I have for horses and was a major reason why I decided to pick Equine Sciences for my major in College.

7. List three words/feelings you associate with your time at Taking the Reins.
Passion, bonds, and connection

8. Anything else you’d like to add
I’m definitely going to miss the friends I have made at TTR and I’m forever grateful for the amazing mentors I have had over the years.