Sophia Chavonelle is a USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist based in San Diego, California

Sophia grew up riding at Vienna Farm in southern Maine, where she stayed for over a decade. In 2016 she earned the USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year award, an annual recognition of the volunteerism of young riders from around the country.

With her horse W Spotlight, Sophia competed at the 2018 North American Youth Championships on the Region 8 Junior team. Sophia also attended the Dressage Foundation’s 2019 Young Rider International Dream Program at the CHIO Aachen.

Both of these events greatly enhanced Sophia’s desire to one day be a U.S. Team rider.

After attending the 2020 Dressage4Kids Winter Intensive Training program, Sophia took a dream opportunity to work for Sabine Schut-Kery. While her heart will always be with the east coast, California has proved to be an immeasurably important step for taking Sophia’s professional riding career to the next level.

Sophia is currently based at The Palms Equestrian Center in San Diego, California alongside Sabine, Marie Medosi, and Christine Traurig. She hopes to compete her horse Jetson EP in the Developing Prix St Georges in 2023.

Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.

Mark Twain