CHARACTER REFERENCES

It is an honor to write this letter of recommendation in support of Brighton McBride. I have had the opportunity to observe Brighton over a period of years in 4-H and during her youth career in AQHA. Brighton has grown into a very impressive young woman who is always willing to step forward to meet challenging situations with courage and fortitude. I have been fortunate to have observed Brighton working with young equestrians on basic horsemanship skills, with trainers, and interacting with spectators at various events. Brighton is the epitome of a model citizen, representing the horse industry in a positive light while acting as a role model for younger equestrians and supporting her peers during competitions. I have found Brighton to be an exceptional mentor and a truly committed and organized leader. She has the reputation within the equestrian community of being an exceptionally knowledgeable, fair, and patient person with an excellent work ethic and positive attitude. Even in difficult situations and in times of intense competition, Brighton maintains her focus while never losing her sense of humor. In short, Brighton McBride, is the example which I hold up when younger riders need encouragement and reminders that excellence comes from hours in the saddle and countless miles ridden.

On a personal note, Brighton is a bright, articulate young lady with a wide range of interests. She has a tremendous personality, is an excellent communicator, and has the gift of presenting matters logically and persuasively even to the tiniest listener. This will aid her tremendously as she continues through life. I have had the great pleasure of observing many bright, talented young equestrians. Brighton is truly exceptional, her potential is unlimited, and I predict that she is undoubtedly on the path to great things. Additionally, she sincerely enjoys working with horses of all types, and is well liked by parents and children in the horse showing community. Regardless of the challenge placed before her, Brighton has never allowed adversity to deter her from her goals and has always given one hundred percent to the many tasks she undertakes.

It is my pleasure to support such a deserving individual. She is truly an asset to her community and to the horse industry. If you should require additional information or wish to speak with me directly, please feel free to contact me!

-Sheri Catania

I have had the honor of knowing and working with Brighton for several years now. Our relationship started with me as her trainer, but soon shifted to more of a partnership where she assisted me in everything horse related. When I mean everything, I mean everything. From cleaning stalls, to hauling and stacking hay in 100 degree temps, saddling/grooming/lunging/riding horses, assisting in lessons, feeding and taking care of horses when I was out of town, and help at shows, she was always trustworthy help! I very rarely even had to ask as she was constantly volunteering to help and WORK in and way she could, and expected nothing in return. She wants to work, wants to help and wants to learn. I’ve honestly never met another youth with as strong of a work ethic and as much drive and determination as Brighton. Not only is she willing to work hard, but she is a very talented rider and horseman in general. I have put her on various breeds with multiple disciplines, and she can quickly adapt to whatever you throw at her. She has great natural feel through her hands, legs and seat - truly a naturally gifted and very trainable rider. Any equestrian team lucky enough to gain Brighton as a rider will be very blessed. She is a positive influence on everyone she is around in every aspect from her strong moral values to her great work ethic and focus. I know this girl is destined for greatness, and I am so thankful to have had her in my life.

Sincerely, Erin Patterson

I think it’s incredibly rare to find riders in today’s landscape quite like Brighton. It’s one thing to be a great rider but it’s another thing to be a horseman and a good teammate. As a part of two national championship teams at Auburn- while the riding was important what set ourselves above the rest was our team culture. Brighton would be a huge asset to whatever team is lucky enough to have her. She works hard, cheers for others and about as positive as they come. She has a championship attitude and again- would be an absolute asset to any NCEA program.

-Chelsea Zillner

(Auburn EQ Alumni)

As a professional trainer for over 40 years and a carded judge, the things that impress me about Brighton are her work ethic, her talent, her humble attitude and that she’s always friendly to everyone and just pleasant to be around.

Brighton has incredible talent as a rider and in showmanship and she takes every detail of a pattern into account each time she hits the arena. Brighton attacks patterns and always goes for the Bonus points. Brighton always Scores very high on F & E with great overall presentation.

Having had Brighton help out at shows and do some banding for clients as an employee she always shows up on time and does everything she’s asked to the best of her ability with a cheerful attitude.

I think every college would be lucky to have Brighton on their team with her incredible work ethic and positivity.

I board and ride where Brighton McBride rides. I've seen her ride, groom, work, listen and learn. She puts 150% of herself into every task. She listens to her trainer and learns. She focuses. I've watched her and her horse perform maneuvers with amazing precision, making me a Brighton #1 Fan. You won't find any upcoming student with more focus and work ethic than Brighton. I was thrilled when I found out Brighton got to ride my horse in training.

Susan Engle, author and thirty year horse owner

Brighton, ever since I met you as a little girl you have impressed me with your kindness, your determination to achieve your goals, and your love of God and family. You are very intuitive and kind to animals and old ladies (like me, lol). I know that you will accomplish your goals in life and I look forward to following your story in the years ahead. You are beautiful, inside and out. And you are loved by all who know you--including me!

-Isabelle Schaffner

I had the pleasure of hiring Brighton this past summer to work for me at our Fireworks Stand.
I cannot say enough about her! She came in knowing hardly anything at all about the fireworks business
and by the end of the season she was our top sales person on the floor! From day one, you never had
To tell her what to do, she just could see what needed to be done and started doing it.
She did everything from helping unload, to stocking, arranging items on the shelves, cashier and
selling! If she had a question about anything she would ask and continue working. Her work is ethic is impeccable!
Besides being a great worker, she is a sweet as she can be. She gets along with everyone and is
very outgoing with the customers, which is important in this business. We have two other fireworks
stands and the other managers were all fighting over her, everyone wanted her at their stand.
I also have a Christmas decorating business, and I plan to hire Brighton to work with me this year doing that as well. She can do anything and I can’t wait to work with her again!

Sincerely,
Fanny-Jo Sansone

Brighton is one of the hardest working people I have ever met. Her sheer determination amazes me. I’ve watched her clean stalls, band manes, sell anything that she can make just to afford her own horse.

Brighton is not only determined, but she has the “it” factor when it comes to showing. She has taken her first horse from one that just does western pleasure and turned her into a showmanship MACHINE!

Brighton is a beautiful horseman. She can take anything and make it look good. But that’s not what makes her unique. She genuinely cares for the others around her. If she doesn’t win, it’s never a pity party. The first thing she does is congratulate the person who won! That’s a really rare trait in this business.

I believe that Brighton would be a great asset to ANY team. She would put amazing scores down AND pump up a team.

-Lacy Shanks

Any NCAA equestrian team would be fortunate to have Brighton. The dedication that she exhibits while showing her horses, is second to none. I rarely see this level of work ethic and am proud to recommend her.

-Cheto Scheets

Brighton is a sincere individual who is very accomplished. I have enjoyed getting to know Brighton the past few years. She always amazes me with her outgoing personality and team spirit. She is exceptional at making connections and friends. Another quality that shines in Brighton is her work ethic and unwavering commitment. Often the first one to the barn and last to leave, she works harder than most. At a recent show, I was trying to find someone to band my horse. She immediately offered her services. At the same show, I was running late getting there – when I arrived my stalls were bedded and ready to go. Brighton’s work ethic and commitment is often unmatched. Her inclusive personality, work ethic, leadership, and positive attitude would be an asset to any team.

Cara Harmon

Youth Advisor, Missouri Quarter Horse Youth Association 573.999.4454

Brighton is a bright, positive light in the barn where I train. I’m much older and I find myself showing with and learning from this young lady! She’s always got a good attitude and I see her work ethic in everything she does. Brighton goes over and above to pull her own weight with chores and helping our trainer and other students and boarders.

I’m very impressed with the lessons she’s learned and the skills she has developed. Brighton handles a lot of horses at the barn, including my Missouri Foxtrotter. I appreciate her ability to adapt to situations and just handle it.

Brighton has big dreams and goals but she also has a systematic plan to attain these goals. I’m squarely in her corner and hope she gets a chance to be on the equestrian team in college. This girl deserves it and if she gets on the team, she will be an asset to the team and will use the experiences to grow as an individual.

-Chasity Young

I first met Brighton casually at local horse shows. She was starting out on a leased horse. I am a senior citizen and she was the friendliest most polite youth I had seen. She always made a point to come say hello to me. Then we both ended up with the same trainer and I would see her at the barn all the time. Still friendly, respectful and helpful to me and everyone there. She was always working on something. If not helping the owner with stalls, moving horses, getting horses ready for the trainer, she was working on her riding. One show season she did not have a horse to show. She helped me with my sometimes difficult pleasure mare. She always was right there offering to help with anything! She would offer to lift my saddle for me (again, I’m a senior citizen), return my horse to pasture, wash her off, and even banding for a show. As I got to know Brighton I offered to let her show my very talented but difficult mare for the season. We would share her. Without me asking her, Brighton did all the work involved in both of us showing! She even helped me unload my own stuff at shows. She warmed up, banded, fed and watered the mare every time! Always with a smile, cheerful and respectful! She is an excellent rider and I trust her with any horse of mine. Just recently she showed my green ranch horse and handled her issues like a pro! Brighton never shys away from any work! I’ve seen her work several jobs plus making and selling items to make money for horses. She is a joy to be around!

-Susan Breau

Brighton first off her name says it all, she brightens up everyone. A very hard working young lady horses are her passion, she is dedicated to being ,learning, growing, and sharing her love and knowledge with everyone,

Brighton learns fast, she listens to her trainer, puts in the the time hard work and love.

-Marty Maynard