by Caroline Crosson Gilpin

For young equestrians pursuing Show Jumping, Dressage, Western Pleasure, Equitation, Hunter, and other categories of horse riding, combining competition and academic classwork can be a continual challenge. 

The passion many teenaged riders have for their horses and riding is unmatched, according to those who pursue the sport. A tremendous amount of time goes into every aspect, from selecting the right horse, tack, and riding gear–which must be up-to-date and is often customized for both human and horse–to the physical stamina and psychological hurdles of training with, and competing on, a strong, fast, and large animal. 

There are investments for boarding, training, and veterinarian care. There are intense training sessions, travel, and show competitions. There are also the mental challenges overcoming burnout, fear, and conditioning for both rider and horse. 

There are emotional highs and lows, too, when horse and human communicate well–or have difficulty–or when a rider must retire a horse as a result of age or injury, for example. There are frequent disappointments from defeats or accidents, alongside the joyous, rewarding feeling of excellence when reaching the next level, or placing or winning.  

Combining Competition and Classwork

Adding the daily structure of a traditional school schedule on top of the many demands for equestrians seemed nearly impossible, according to Victoria Morcombe ’27, a Dwight Global Online School student based in Miami. 

“At my previous school, I was gone every Friday to travel and compete, and it wasn’t working, even though I had A plus grades. I missed too much school.” 

At Dwight Global, Victoria said teacher support, the strong school community, and scheduling flexibility allowed her to scale new heights in the show ring and in the classroom. 

Victoria was a soccer player in elementary school, and then her family purchased a property in Florida that came with quarter horses. She started caring for the horses with her mother, and riding them. Jumping came naturally to her.  “I remember using car jacks with PVC pipes to create jumps, and also using ropes tied to trees, so I could practice. I was riding a massive horse, 17.3 hands high, and I loved it.”

Victoria’s love of jumping turned into titles including: Champion at the Winter Equestrian Festival in the modified children’s jumpers on mount Coranos T (Winter 2025), three first place finishes during Winter Equestrian Festival 2025 circuit in the $2500 modified children’s jumpers on mount Coranos T  (Winter 2025), Top 7 in her first National 1.35m medium Junior/Amateur Classic on mount Chellasco Z at Wellington International (Fall 2024), and Champion at Tryon International in the Junior jumpers (1.20-1.25m) on mount Chellasco Z with two first places and one second place (Summer 2024).

Another reason Victoria loves jumping is the math involved: each timed course has a set number of jumps, and the total strides needed to complete the course is a changing variable, up to and even during the competition. 

Victoria said some students hope to compete in riding during college, but she is most focused on academics. “School is most important to me and my family, but as a Show Jumper, I think about continuing as an amateur after high school, where the possibility of competing in the Olympics is the ultimate dream,” she said. 

To help her on her path to college acceptance, Dwight Global’s support has been crucial, said Victoria, who said Dwight allows her to take multiple AP math classes, something her former school would not allow. 

College Counseling Support a Plus

Dwight Global also supports its students and their families with experienced, comprehensive college counseling beginning in Grade 9. The school’s graduates are admitted to respected colleges and universities around the world. 

Another Dwight Global equestrian, Quintessa Wolff ’27, also highlighted Dwight Global’s many benefits for competitive student riders. 

“The scheduling flexibility is incredibly helpful! In addition, the teachers are amazing to work with and are incredible in working with every individual situation I have, always open to meeting with me to go over anything I missed or anything I need extra help on,” said Tess, who lives in Texas.  She specializes in performance horses, competing mainly at AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) shows in the Trail, Hunt Seat Equitation, Hunter Under Saddle, Western Horsemanship, Western Pleasure, Showmanship, and Halter. 

Tess currently competes with McCulloch Training Stables, under the guidance of Shannon McCulloch Bacon and Erin McCulloch. Some of her successful accomplishments include: 2x 2024 All American Quarter Horse Congress Champion, 2025 AQHA Level 1 Championship East Reserve All Around Champion (14 to 18 age division), 2025 AQHA Level 1 Championship East Level 1 Trail 14-18 Champion, and 2025 AzQHA Sun Circuit Highpoint Level 1 Non Pro.

Tess, who has been riding for nine years and competing since 2021, said her father found Dwight Global after doing a tremendous amount of research into online schools, and narrowed the choices to three schools before selecting Dwight Global. 

“Another benefit of Dwight Global is the access to phenomenal tutors, which makes it so much easier when I have to miss class or am stuck on a difficult topic,” she said.

“Apart from truly loving horses and being an incredibly competitive person, I love the opportunities that this sport has provided for me to learn and grow as a person. Our motto at McCulloch Training Stables is “Creating champions in life,” and I have found that to be true throughout the entire industry,” said Tess. “I continually get to learn how to be a better person and competitor. One of my favorite things is the relationships I get to build with people. I often refer to my barn as my “second family” and the support from my friends, trainers, and family is incredible.”

“While I do not plan to continue professionally, I am thinking about continuing in college and riding for an NCEA D1 team,” she said.  “I have not yet decided to pursue that, but I am very interested in the opportunity of being on a team,” said Tess.