High schooler leaps to equestrian success

Lydia Harrison, a senior at Lancaster Mennonite School, is taking on her biggest competition yet at a U.S. Equestrian Federation event.

Feb. 2, 2026 at 11:47am

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Lydia Harrison, a senior at Lancaster Mennonite School in Pennsylvania, has spent over half her life in the saddle. Now she's taking on her biggest competition so far: a U.S. Equestrian Federation event featuring Olympic-level talent Feb. 9-22 in Ocala, Fla. Harrison began riding at 6 years old and has embraced the sport, building a horse barn on her family's farm and training daily with her horse Archer.

Why it matters

Competitive riding was new territory for Harrison's family, but they've supported her passion. Harrison's discipline of choice is show jumping, which requires strength, balance, agility, endurance, injury prevention and teamwork with a horse - all central to the sport. Although her high school doesn't offer equestrian, she receives varsity recognition through the U.S. Equestrian Interscholastic Athlete Program.

The details

Harrison is set on increasing her jumping height from 0.9 meters (3 feet) to 1 meter (3.3 feet) for the Florida competition. The goal is to complete the course cleanly and with the fastest time, without knocking rails. To stay strong and injury-free, she dedicates hours each week to stretching, conditioning and cross-training.

  • Harrison began riding at 6 years old.
  • The U.S. Equestrian Federation event will take place Feb. 9-22, 2026 in Ocala, Florida.

The players

Lydia Harrison

A senior at Lancaster Mennonite School in Pennsylvania who has spent over half her life in the saddle and is now taking on her biggest competition yet at a U.S. Equestrian Federation event.

Archer

Harrison's horse that she trains with daily at B.W. Training Stables.

Ella

Harrison's regular horse that is currently rehabilitating in Virginia due to a muscular disorder.

Caden Nolt

A former Lancaster Mennonite student who occasionally competes alongside Harrison, adding an element of fun.

Stacy

A woman who sold Ella to Harrison's family and taught her how to connect her faith with horses.

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What they’re saying

“Jumping higher takes so much energy. I have to take care of my body just as much as Archer's.”

— Lydia Harrison

“The horses and the equestrian environment have played a huge part in my Christian faith. Horses are very much spiritual animals and, in my eyes, are a symbol of God's love.”

— Lydia Harrison

What’s next

Lydia Harrison will compete in the U.S. Equestrian Federation event featuring Olympic-level talent on February 9-22, 2026 in Ocala, Florida.

The takeaway

Harrison's journey highlights how a passion for equestrian can be nurtured and supported, even when a high school doesn't offer it as a sport. Her dedication to the sport and her faith have been intertwined, demonstrating the powerful connection between athletics, spirituality and personal growth.