Photos by Shannon Brinkman Photo
At just 12 years old, Addison “Addie” Borton is already making an impressive mark in the eventing world. The sixth grader from Winter Garden, Florida, has spent the past five years training with Jennie Jarnstrom-Dennis, steadily moving up the levels with her ponies. In 2023, Addie became the youngest rider competing at the American Eventing Championships at just 9 years old, where she earned a top 10 finish in the Junior Beginner Novice division. Most recently, she and her 14.1-hand pony, Way Too Marvelous BSR, aka Peter, became Modified Champions in the Area III Regional Championships. Addi also became the youngest rider ever selected for the U.S. Emerging Athletes U21 Program, and is currently ranked #1 USEA Junior Modified Rider in the nation.
“There’s not one thing that makes someone as good as she is,” Jennie said when asked about Addie’s growth as a rider. Jennie described Addie as very motivated and very mature, adding, “When things don’t go well, she’s very open to listening to my advice on why and how to do something.” Jennie also praised Addie’s natural ability with horses and strong work ethic. “She has an ability—she’s very talented, obviously—but she’s happy to work hard to get that opportunity. She gets on and makes almost every single horse go better, not just her pony. Addie is very good at leading a horse in the right direction.”
When she’s not competing, Addie enjoys spending time with her family, including her mom, dad, little sister Emma, and her NaNa, along with the family’s two dogs, Rocco and Paisley. Horses are truly a family affair in the Borton household: 8-year-old Emma recently began competing at the Starter level with her pony Mr. Bones. Through it all, Addie continues to balance competition with supporting younger riders at the barn and building strong partnerships with horses, all while staying grounded in the love of the sport that first drew her to riding years ago.
I started riding at 6 years old when my family lived in Colorado. At the time, I was on a soccer team, but I became much more interested in the horses at a stable down the road from our house. I spent every chance I could at the barn, and eventually I even got kicked off the soccer team for galloping around the soccer field instead of running laps. From that point on, horses were all I wanted to do.
God, my parents and my trainer. I couldn’t do any of this without God or my parents. My mom, who competed in hunter/jumpers when she was younger, introduced me to the horse world. She is always there for me, no matter what kind of day I’m having, cheering me on and supporting me through every hard day or good day. My dad helps with so much behind the scenes and is also the best horse-trailer driver around.
My trainer, Jennie Jarnstrom-Dennis—I’m the rider I am today because of her. She has always believed in me even when I doubt; she has given me so many opportunities to ride different horses that has made me a better rider overall. I’m also really thankful for my barn family at Class Act Farm. We are all really close and there for each other.
The horses I’ve ridden have also taught me so much. Connor—Conway Lad, owned by Gigi and Alexandra Geiger—was my first pony. He is a 14.3-hand Connemara. I wasn’t very confident when I started riding and he helped change that while taking me from crossrails all the way to the Novice level. Another special horse is Mattie—Time To Showman—owned by my trainer. He is a young Connemara whom she bought when he was only 3 years old. She gave me the opportunity to learn how to help produce him, and together we went to his first recognized show at the Starter level. Just last month, we competed at the Novice level.
And then there’s Peter, my 14.1h Welsh/Thoroughbred cross pony, Way Too Marvelous BSR. He has taught me what it truly means to build a partnership with a horse. What makes Peter so special to me is our relationship was built on trust, patience, and learning never to give up on each other. When I first got him, it definitely wasn’t easy—I think I spent more time on the ground than in the saddle. Everything was new and overwhelming for him, and it took months for us to really understand each other. With the help of my trainer and Peter’s former rider, Luci, we slowly learned how to work together as a team. Through every hard time, Peter has taught me resilience, hard work, patience and the meaning of a true partnership. He will always be my heart horse.
Currently, Peter and I compete at the Modified level, and we’ve recently completed both a CCI1* and a CCI1*-L together. I had to wait until the year of my 12th birthday to do my first FEI event, so I was especially excited to finally have the opportunity to compete at that level with Peter. We are also doing jumpers at the 1.10m level.
Helping her with her pony has actually brought us a lot closer, and I love getting to watch her grow as a rider. We definitely have our “sister moments,” but at the end of the day we’re always cheering each other on—and probably arguing over who borrowed whose brush or who took whose saddle pad.
One of my favorite things about eventing is the people. Most eventers are very kind, supportive, and understanding. My favorite phase is cross-country because it feels like it’s just me and my horse out on course together.
I’m also a member of the Class Act Farm USEA Interscholastic Eventing Team. Over the past year, our team has remained nearly undefeated whenever we’ve competed at a show. It’s a lot of fun to come together with my farm family and compete as one team.
When I’m not riding, I enjoy helping other kids with their riding and sharing what I’ve learned with them. During the summer I help with our barn’s riding camp, which is always fun.
Just keep going and believe in yourself, even when something feels hard or out of reach. Believe in yourself and believe in your horse. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. We all need it.
Photos by Luna LLC, unless noted otherwise
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