Student Stories

Laurel Springs is proud to recognize 11th grade student, Caitlin Ziegler, who has been breaking records in the equestrian world. On July 7, Caitlin became the youngest rider ever to win an International Equestrian Event, when she placed first at the Spruce Meadows tournament in Calgary, Canada. Winning the AON Cup despite fierce competition was a huge accomplishment for Caitlin. Ziegler’s coach, Eric Lamaze (an Olympic Gold Medalist and the number one ranked rider in the world), said of Caitlin’s incredible performance, “here at Spruce Meadows, she has been riding really well and competing against great riders. It was only a matter of time before she won. I believe that you always need a little luck for things to go your way, but she wasn’t just lucky – she really earned it.” Caitlin continued her streak in France, where she competed in the Prix Sports Equestres on July 22. In a contest that included more than seventy other riders, Caitlin took first place, shaving precious seconds from the next-fastest rider in the competition.

Caitlin’s challenging training and travel schedule demand a unique level of educational flexibility and teacher services, and Laurel Springs is proud to provide the necessary support for her to continue pursuing college prep academics as a student athlete. We wish Caitlin all the best as she continues to compete at a world-class level in the equestrian world.