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After so many years as part of our GWIF family, it is difficult to imagine the barn without Raegan Hornfeck. Her journey has been filled with more chapters than most young riders experience: the love of Summer Camp, the excitement of finding a horse partnership, perseverance through loss and heartbreak, overcoming fear, finding her stride, and ultimately giving back to the community that helped shape her. Raegan’s riding career has been anything but linear, marked with plenty of ups and downs along the way - including the early (somewhat failed!?) attempt to pair her with Legend. Next came the beloved Bob, with whom Raegan experienced a riding accident that truly changed everything. Rebuilding confidence takes courage, patience, and perseverance, and Raegan demonstrated all three. In time came Kirby and, plot twist, an unexpected reunion with Legend. What once seemed like an unlikely partnership transformed into something extraordinary and highly successful.
But for those who know her, Raegan’s greatest accomplishments have never been measured in ribbons or results. Through every chapter, she has grown into the kind of horsewoman we hope every young rider becomes. She is thoughtful, kind, graceful, and humble. She is a mentor and a friend, someone younger riders naturally look up to, and someone who has learned not only how to ride, but how to guide. Raegan is thoughtful and well-spoken in a quiet way that tells you she thinks before she speaks and genuinely cares about listening - except, according to Meg, when she’s on cross-country or growling “GETTTTT” at a skeptical Kirby. 😂
After all these years, bidding Raegan farewell can be nothing but bittersweet. Halliea will forever be grateful for the trust she and her family placed in her as she helped guide Raegan’s riding career. It has been an honor and privilege to have “Little Raegan” as part of her team all these years.
Raegan leaves every community she is part of better than she found it and GWIF will always be home.
This month, Raegan moves to Lexington where she will attend the University of Kentucky and join the UK Eventing Team. She leaves with a horse of her very own, years of memories, countless friendships, and a whole new chapter waiting to be written.
How very lucky Kentucky is to have her. GOOO CATS! 💙🐴
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