Calista Edel 
Hunt Seat Class of 2029

I am a sophomore from Colorado and currently ride and train with Brannon Mooney and Mickie Sage at Capall Glen Equestrian. I began riding when I was seven years old and started competing on the A-circuit three years ago. I originally began in eventing before transitioning into the hunter/jumper discipline, where I have continued to grow as a rider and competitor.

I entered the hunter ring for the first time at Pin Oak in 2023 and was Champion at my first AA-rated circuit show. I spent my first two years competing in the Children's Hunters, earning multiple championships and top placings before making the transition into equitation. My first year in equitation was spent leasing a young, green horse, which taught me a lot about patience, adaptability, and consistency. Since then, I have continued to move up in the 3'3" equitation divisions and compete at the top levels of the sport.

Some of my recent highlights include finishing 9th in the PHNS children's medal final, 9th and 10th in the 14-15 eq at the National Horse show,  and 11th overall at Junior Hunter Finals–West, including 5th in the handy. I am also currently ranked 2nd in Zone 8 for the Taylor Harris Children's Medal and 31st in the IHSA Hunter Seat Medal rankings out of 286 qualified riders.

I currently compete with C'est Mio, or "Mio," and we have continued to grow as a team in the equitation ring. I enjoy spending time at the barn, working with my horses, and learning from the people and horses around me. Every horse I have worked with has taught me something different and has helped me become a more patient, confident, and thoughtful rider.

I am excited to continue growing as both a rider and a student at the collegiate level and to be part of a team surrounded by people who share my passion for horses and competition.