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Lancaster Mennonite senior Lydia Harrison ‘26 has spent over half her life in the saddle—and this February, she will take on the biggest competition of her career: an international show in Ocala, Florida called Hits Ocala from February 9-22. This U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) event is a North American League qualifier that will feature Olympic-level talent in five-star competition.
For Lydia, this milestone represents years of dedication, resilience, and a deep bond with the horses who have shaped her journey.
A Passion Sparked Early
Lydia began riding at just six years old after attending a summer camp at Bridge Acres Stable, where she fell in love with the sport. The foundational training she received there continues to influence her riding today.
Although her mom had a horse as a child, competitive riding was new territory for the Harrison family. Over the years, they have embraced the adventure together—so much so that the family is building a horse barn on their new farm property in York, where they hope to bring Lydia’s beloved horse Ella (Days of Glory) home in February.
Overcoming Challenges
Lydia’s horse, Ella, who has been rehabilitating in Virginia due to a muscular disorder (PSSM2), once struggled with pain that caused her to buck frequently. Lydia hopes to begin riding her again this year, but in early 2025 she transitioned to a new competition partner: Archer, a powerful Oldenburg breed known for its excellence in jumping.
Lydia has overcome her own physical hurdles as well, including a torn ACL in September of 2024. To stay strong and injury-free, she dedicates hours each week to stretching, conditioning, and cross-training.
“Jumping higher takes so much energy,” she shared. “I have to take care of my body just as much as Archer’s.”
Training With Purpose
Each day, Lydia attends classes at Lancaster Mennonite School before heading to B.W. Training Stables to train with her horse Archer, under the training of Becky Weik and Larissa Fischer. She rides in the afternoons and evenings, surrounded by other riders, though her training is focused and individualized. Her sights are set on increasing her jumping height—currently 0.9m (3 ft)—with the goal of clearing approximately 1 meter (3.3 ft) for the international competition in Florida this winter.
Her discipline of choice is show jumping, having transitioned from the “hunters” style she grew up with. The goal: complete the course cleanly and with the fastest time, without knocking rails.
On occasion, she even competes alongside former LM student Caden Nolt, which she says always adds an element of fun.
A Major Decision—and a Big Dream Ahead
This season, Lydia faced a tough choice: stay involved in the IEA (Interscholastic Equestrian Association) and Endeavors All Equestrian team with BW Stable —her last year of eligibility—or commit fully to the international show circuit. Pursuing Florida meant stepping away from IEA, but Lydia knew the opportunity was too significant to pass up.
The biggest shows that she has competed in are Saratoga (NY), Culpepper, Virginia (where she has won champion a couple of times), Vermont, Penn State, Colonial Classic, and she has won multiple championships at Swan Lake Stables in PA. She has a number of accolades on her belt that she can take with her as she competes in Florida.
She calls the upcoming international competition “an early graduation gift,” and hopes to continue competing internationally after high school.
Earning Varsity Recognition
Although Lancaster Mennonite School (LM) does not offer equestrian as a school sport, Lydia continues to receive formal varsity recognition thanks to the U.S. Equestrian Interscholastic Athlete Program. This national program honors riders who complete at least 100 hours of training or compete in at least three sanctioned events each year. Participants receive official varsity letters, patches, and pins—affirming equestrian athletes as varsity-level competitors.
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the national governing body for equestrian sport and a U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee–recognized organization, emphasizes that equestrian athletes spend an average of 25 hours per week training. Strength, balance, agility, endurance, injury prevention, and teamwork with a horse are all central to the sport.
A Remarkable Rider With a Remarkable Heart
Beyond her athletic achievements, Lydia is also a member of LM’s FFA club and remains deeply connected to the horses who have carried her through each season of growth. The emotional bond she forms with her horses is unmistakable—something beautifully reflected in the well-loved photo of her 16th birthday, wearing a purple dress beside her horse.
She shares, “The horses and the equestrian environment has played a huge part in my Christian faith. Horses are very much spiritual animals, and in my eyes, are a symbol of God’s love. Ella was sold to my family by a wonderful woman named Stacy, who taught me how to connect my faith with horses. I felt the presence of God as I was with Ella, either handling her or riding. Before every ride, I’d pray with her. She carried me with a gentleness that felt divinely placed, as if God were speaking through her. In moments when life felt overwhelming, Ella became a living reminder that I was not walking (or riding) through anything alone. I can’t wait to have her back in PA this winter!”
Cheering Her On
As she prepares for the Florida competition, Lydia is grateful for the support of her family. “For my grandparents who make all of this possible, through funding and support, as well as my mom who helps me at every competition and pushes me out of my comfort zone.” And her father, Matthew Harrison, whose photography captures her journey. Her family’s encouragement keeps her moving forward.
Lancaster Mennonite School is proud to celebrate Lydia’s achievements and cheer her on as she competes on an international stage this February. Her hard work, faith, and focus exemplify LM’s commitment to nurturing students’ gifts—both in and beyond the classroom.
Photo credit: Matthew Harrison Photography
