“Harper has been a student in my program since October of 2020. When she first started riding with me, she was coming off a pony whom she competed with at the 2’6 level at the local schooling shows. We moved her onto her first horse in November of 2020 and she quickly moved up to the 3’0 children’s hunters on the A circuit in March of 2021. Since then Harper has had many children’s hunter championships, has been the top of our zone for children’s hunters, as well as had much success in the 3’0 equitation ring.
By the end of summer in 2022 it became clear Harper was ready to move up from her wonderful children’s hunter, and she expressed great interest in the Big Equitation ring. She did not shy away from the challenge when her parents and I explained the level of commitment and patience the road to equitation finals would be. She and her young horse Scrappy whom they purchased in the fall of 2022 moved right up to the 3’3 junior hunters as well as Maclay and Hunt Seat qualifying classes. They most recently competed in their first equitation finals at the NHS show in the Hammel Medal.
In the last year Harper has demonstrated huge growth in her horsemanship skills, especially in her compassion for her equine partner. The transition to the 3’6 has not been without the occasional challenges and Harper has developed an understanding to take a disappointing result and turn it into a positive learning experience. She’s an excellent student to teach and is always willing to lend a hand when needed both in the barn and at shows with her barn mates and fellow competitors.
I believe Harper has a lot of talent and most importantly the determination to accomplish any of the goals she sets for herself. ”
~ Danielle Urban, Trainer, Flying Change Farm
“I met Harper when she was 10 at the boarding facility we shared. I have watched her grow as a rider from a child who was learning the basics; of balance and how to post the trot, her first canter, to an absolutely elegant, quiet, and talented rider who has gone on to show and place well across the nation in the Children’s Hunters, Hamel, Maclay, and the Jumpers. I had the pleasure of witnessing Harper’s first jump, and it fills me with joy to be able to see where she is today.
Anyone who has ridden much knows that becoming a rider of the caliber Harper now is does not come easily. It takes absolute dedication, endless hours of practice and work, and at the base of that, a hunger and willingness to learn. The fact that Harper has been able to come this far, while also maintaining excellence in her schoolwork speaks volumes to her work ethic. When she travels to shows that are during the school year and has to complete her lessons, without the instruction of her teachers, this also gives one a glimpse of just how bright this young woman truly is. Not to mention the countless hours of care Harper puts into her horse, Scrappy, to support him as equally as he supports her.
Over the years Harper and her family have become dear friends of mine. More recently, as I graduated a saddle fitting program and started a business therein, the Tjardes’ have placed their trust in me for their saddle needs when Harper and Scrappy outgrew their previous setup. Harper has been a pleasure to work with. She has communicated clearly with me about any nuances in the feel of the saddles we tried, and through that we have found a saddle that works great for both of them. I am a lucky woman for the brand I carry to be so well represented in the show ring.
As a person, Harper is mature beyond her years and has a fun and easygoing personality. She is not afraid of hard work, yet instead fully leans into it. She is admirably self-motivated and will be an asset to any program she enters. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions about Harper and her character.”
~ Jen Howland-Christensen, Saddle Fitter, Fellow Boarder and Friend, (402)690-4890, [email protected]
“I have known Harper for 6 years and am confident she would make a wonderful addition to any collegiate riding program. Harper is driven, charismatic, talented, and HARD WORKING.
Rather than allowing a task to go unmanaged, Harper is an excellent teacher and leader. Many times, taking on tasks which were not her assigned duties. Whether it is rising at 3am to assist in braiding a teammates horse, or it is cleaning out the trailer after a late-night haul, Harper does it with a smile on her face.
I would trust my equine in Harper’s care with no question. She will make an exemplary contribution to any riding program and college she attends.”
~ Lauren Kundert, Muirfield Equine Insurance