Dylan Laiken : when riding go with associations

Passionate young rider and involved in several associations, Dylan Laiken is one of the top Children’s jumper rider in North America. Nowadays, she is a true inspiration for many young americans, let’s meet this ambitious and determined young lady.

What is your story with Horse Pilot ? How did you know the brand ?

I have a really athletic build, so it’s hard for me to find the right clothes that fit me, and in trying different brands I realized Horse Pilot was the most comfortable and I loved the colors and designs!

what are the advantages and the strengths of the brand and its products according to you ?

I feel like Horse Pilot cares about the rider and their comfort along with their attention to design detail. Being able to do custom jackets is also such a great bonus because not everyone is the same, and being able to have something special just for you makes it exciting.

What is your favorite Horse Pilot product and why ?

The Aerotech Royal Blue Jacket! I love how vibrant the color is, and I feel proud and special when I am riding into the ring in it.

“Horse Pilot needs to be in every equestrian store in the US!”

Can you tell us about the Horse Pilot’s place in the USA ?

Horse Pilot needs to be in every equestrian store in the US! I was so excited to hear that our local shop, DaMoore’s is now carrying them. Their quality for the price is so much better than most companies out there, and you can feel the difference.

How did you get this passion for equestrian sports ?

My first trail ride was with my mom when I was 3 ½ and it was love at first ride! My mom was a western rider when she was growing up, and she was involved with some race horses, so I was around them my whole life. By the time I was 6 years old, Santa brought me a pony and I began competing as a Hunter rider, but I pushed to go into jumpers when I was about 9.

Tell us about your equestrian career ?

A year ago, I represented Zone 10 (in the USA, teams are gathering by zones during equestrian competitions. Here we talk about the zone which includes the states of California and Nevada, ed) on the United States team at the FEI North American Championships in Saugerties, New York. I was the only rider in history to win an individual Gold Medal and a team Gold Medal in the Children’s Division. I was honored in November 2017 at the Las Vegas National Horse Show with medals for NAJYRA Children’s Team Gold Medalists and Individual Gold Medalists as well as an armband from the USHJA indicating that I was the Top Children’s Division Rider in North America. Subsequent to winning the Gold Medals, I was able to participate in competitions on the East and West Coast: Wellington, the Hampton Classic, The Oaks, Balmourel, Equifest, Del Mar, Thermal, Flintridge Riding Club, Verdugo Hills, Gold Coast and many more. At Portuguese Bend last year, I competed in and won my first Grand Prix at the age of 13.

What are your next equestrian goal ?

I would like to compete on the Junior team for the US.

“Becoming a mentor for the kids in the programs”

Can you tell us more about the Youth Ambassador program ? What is your role in this program?

Hollenbeck Youth Center creates opportunities for inner-city youth to participate in athletic, educational, cultural and community enrichment programs – building confidence and self esteem in today’s youth for a brighter tomorrow. As the 2018 Youth Ambassador, I will be volunteering with the organization throughout the year, becoming a mentor for the kids in the programs. I’m also hoping to bring some of them out to the barn and teach them how to ride and give them the opportunity to be around horses and show them how amazing they are and how they can change their lives.

You are also taking part of the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA), can you present us this association and your place in it ?

Being part of the United States Hunter Jumper Association – USHJA is amazing. Through competing for the US in these competitions as well as doing clinics, you learn from some of the best riders in the World, not to mention get to know fellow riders and competitors from all over the country. You learn about being a part of a team, and how important it is to not only ride for yourself and your horse, but also for your Zone. We get to be a part of panel discussions where we learn what it’s like to be at some of the best competitions in the world, nutrition for both the horse and the rider, learn how to deal with being a competitive athlete, and it’s a huge opportunity to learn so much about the sporty as a whole in a very short amount of time with people that you couldn’t otherwise connect with.

After a very good start in her equestrian career, we wish all the best to Dylan in her futur. We hope to see her shine in the Junior team soon!

Link to DaMoore’s website : http://www.damoorstackandfeed.com/