The U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation awarded the Maxine Beard Show Jumping Developing Rider Award to Sophie Gochman of New York City.

The presentation of the Maxine Beard Show Jumping Developing Rider Award takes place at the FEI North American Youth Championships (New York) each year. Gochman earned the award after being the highest-placing U.S. young rider at the 2019 NAYC in the individual show jumping final. 

With the ongoing mission to support and further the level of America’s developing horses and athletes, the USET Foundation Maxine Beard Show Jumping Developing Rider Award was established to elevate athletes’ opportunities on their journey to equestrian excellence.

“It was a great week for the Gochman family!” said Gochman, whose sister Mimi Gochman won the junior individual gold. “I think we’re both just really grateful for our parents, who supported us, our trainer Ken Berkley, everyone at our Baxter Hill Farm, and [Zone 2 Chef d’Equipe] Ralph Caristo.” 

Sophie will travel with other top U.S. athletes at the 2019 FEI Jumping Nations Cup Youth Final in Opglabbeek, Belgium, this September, and will also receive a trip to a senior FEI Nations Cup show jumping competition. This will include the chance to observe operations in the horse show office, stabling area, veterinary inspections and schooling rings. Sophie will also walk and discuss each course and have the chance to strategize with U.S. team riders and the chef d’equipe.

“It’s such an honor to receive the Maxine Beard Award,” Sophie said. “It means a lot to me to have the support of the USET Foundation because it’s so important to invest in young riders as they’re the future of the sport.”