TESTIMONALS

 

Sunita Pearson-Siegel, MET Alumna, Mount Holyoke College

I was a member of the team from 2014-2020 and it was one of the most life changing decisions I have ever made. I am writing to express my deepest gratitude and admiration for the incredible experience I had as a member of MET, and how the knowledge and connections I obtained are employed in my everyday life. MET has molded me into a competitive collegiate equestrian at Mount Holyoke College, an English major and chemistry minor on the pre-health track, independently researching in the field of organic chemistry, and a person who understands what it means to have good sportsmanship and be part of a team that supports each other no matter what.

Joining MET was the first step towards realizing that one, I wanted to apply to college, and two, that I could attend one of the top liberal arts and historically women’s colleges in the country and be a varsity athlete. The guidance and support I received from my coach and teammates in high school was instrumental in my acceptance to Mount Holyoke College. The countless hours of practice, advancing my riding skills in the saddle, off the saddle horse care, and help with college application components, instilled in me a sense of discipline and time management that I carry with me to this day. One of the most incredible aspects of being on MET was the sense of camaraderie and belonging. We weren’t just teammates; we were a family united by our passion for riding and academia. The bonds I formed with my fellow riders are unbreakable, and I formed those same bonds with my teammates at Mount Holyoke, people who are my family for life. All of these friendships have been a source of unwavering support and that is all thanks to MET.

Through MET, I had the privilege of networking with professionals in the equestrian world. I was able to attend clinics, at minimum cost, with Bernie Traurig, Linda Langmeir, Carol J. Law, Sally Batton and Michael Dowling, clinicians who I would not have been able to afford otherwise. We also attended various competitions and events for scouting like the College Preparatory Invitational in Wellington, FL, and obtained free admission to the Longines Global Champions Tour and the yearly Winter Equestrian Festival hosted at the Palm Beach Equine Sports Complex which provided me with a sense of how much this sport had to offer at the professional level. These industry experts and eye opening experiences were influential in helping me shape my future in the world of equestrian sports.

One person who deserves special mention is MET’s incredible founder Jane DaCosta. I was her student when she had only one team running out of a barn in Brooklyn, and the foundation’s expansion is truly beyond belief. Her leadership, dedication, and passion for the sport and us as riders and academics was truly inspiring. I would not be the person I am today without her. She led by example, working hard to accomplish all she has for the MET. Expanding the level of competition, awareness for practicing safe sport and anti-racism efforts pushed me to become a Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) activist in the Mount Holyoke Equestrian community. She encouraged me to strive for excellence and push for the rights and acceptance of all riders regardless of weight and size limitations, race, and gender in the hunt seat equitation show ring and others. Her mentorship taught me not only about horsemanship but also about leadership and responsibility.

My experience with the Metropolitan Equestrian Team has been nothing short of transformative. It helped me turn my passion for riding into a promising collegiate show career and forever passion. I have lifelong friends, skills and values that extend far beyond the arena. I hope future young riders have the pleasure of experiencing all that I have because my life and future is forever changed by MET.

 

Matthew Drohan, MET Alumni, Centenary University

To speak about my personal journey is synonymous with speaking about MET. My name is Matthew Drohan. I have worked for five Olympians, been based in Europe five years, and am living my dream. I was a sophomore in high school when I joined MET- through scholarship. And if it wasn’t for that opportunity from donors, Metropolitan Equestrian, & Jane DaCosta; I indeed would not be here. No question.

I learned a lot from my time with the organization…. lessons I still use so often they have become part of my character. I learned to acknowledge fear and have such trust in myself, such confidence, that fear wasn’t able to control decisions. I learned to empathize at the most basic level- with beings who couldn’t verbally communicate- because to be the best kind of leader, I need to understand the emotions & motivations of others. I learned camaraderie. You can have the biggest dreams & goals in the world. But you arrive at the destination as a team. That’s the only way to find & maintain success. It’s impossible otherwise.

Those lessons are significant in the horse world and as human beings in general. But perhaps the most important lesson- for me- was that hard work will always pay off. Is it cliche? Yes. But is it cliche for a reason? Yes. At that significant & impressionable age, I learned if you have the discipline, your moment will come. Is life easy? No. Does everything always go to plan? Definitely not. But if you work hard, stay focused, and be patient… the world is yours.

Those lessons we would all be better off knowing. An organization like MET- with Jane DaCosta as its leader- seamlessly instill these pillars in the lucky individuals who are able to take part. Everyone has a different dream, a different goal. That is what makes life beautiful. And MET- no matter the dream- helps you arrive at the destination.

 

Savannah Bryant, MET IEA Atlanta Team Member

When I was 14, I stuck a sticky note on my wall. This sticky note was filled with my wildest dreams. I wanted the chance o go to a medal finals or championship, to show at a venue like the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas, and to go to an “A” rated show. Yeah, right. I knew I had dreams that seemed impossible to achieve. My horse was just put on stall rest, I was only jumping two feet, and I had only ever gone to local shows. How would I be able to pull this together? Little did I know that Metropolitan Equestrian held the pathways to my goals.

To be honest, I was hesitant to join MET when the program was first introduced to me. My mom loved to enroll me into leadership programs and that’s what I thought MET was. It was just another leadership program, right? Wrong. Thankfully, I joined MET after a Zoom call with Jane Dacosta. I quickly started attending ALP sessions and took the opportunities I could, despite the pandemic. In that first year, I was able to find my love of photography through a MET ALP session and turned it into a job. I took a course at NYU, where I learned leadership skills I still use today. I watched videos on equestriancoach.com to improve my riding skills while I waited for the show season to start. I learned that MET was more than just a leadership program. It would grow to be one of the best organizations I would ever join.

Two years later, at 16, my schedule was packed with MET activities. I went on trips around the country, making lifelong friends and meaningful connections. I rode in clinics with Olympians and showed amazing horses at the A-show level. I had checked off one of my goals, but still had two to go.

A year before, MET had sent a rider to the Marshall and Sterling Insurance/USHJA National Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada. The show was held at the South Point Hotel, a place I had dreamed of showing in since I was 14. Unlike that rider, I had no horse, lived hours away, and only showed at the 2’6. How would I make my dream a reality? The application to be nominated for the show had just come out and I had to make a decision. Would I let my doubts destroy my dreams or make a move to fulfill my goals? My mom and I sat down to fill out the application and a few days later, I received an email that I was nominated to attend the show.

Now, I just had to find a horse. Once again, I was faced with an impossible task to reach my goals. Shipping prices were through the roof and the horse I planned to ride would take over 1,000 dollars to get to Las Vegas. I would have to find another horse to show in the Las Vegas area. With help from Jane and MET, I was able to find the perfect partner. Claudie was found through MET connections and shipped to the South Point Hotel. We placed 5th and 8th in the two-foot equitation after I had ridden him for two days prior. MET and Claudie helped me to achieve two of my biggest goals and fly over hurdles that made them seem unfeasible.

Now, I’m a senior in high school and I just came home from riding internationally in Rome with MET. I rode a Grand Prix show-jumper, traveled with my best friends, and made memories I’ll hold with me forever. I just finished my Girl Scout Gold Award and elected Jane as my project advisor. My project focused on concussion awareness and helmet safety in 12-18 year old equestrians. As I’ve started my college journey, MET has been there every step of the way. I attended the College Preparatory Invitational Show to meet with colleges, toured colleges around the country, and used these connections to create my college list. As I begin to finish my time as a MET student, I look over the past four years and remember the constant love and support I’ve received from this organization. MET has taught me marketing and leadership skills in and out of the saddle. I’ve gained confidence in myself and improved my skills at an incredible rate. MET has changed my life for the better and I hope that it can continue to do so for generations to come.

 

Janie Wilder, MET Alumna, Mississippi College

The impact that this organization has had in my life is indescribable.

My dream for as long as I can remember was to be an equestrian, but coming from a lower class family, this goal of mine was deemed impossible by those around me. However, I didn’t give up. I joined an IEA team in my area, and began working in exchange for riding time. In the winter of 2019, My coach at the time introduced me to the Metropolitan Equestrian Team. She encouraged me to apply, and after seeing that it specifically suited my goals, I did. This decision ultimately change my life

MET has given me so many opportunities. I have met so many amazing people, some of which are still my friends today. I had the opportunity to speak with members of congress, I received the Gochman Grant for Pony Finals, I was offered a scholarship to a D1 equestrian team, and I have made connections with so many important figures in the horse industry, some of which I got the opportunity to work under and learn from.

Jane DaCosta is one of my biggest inspirations. She is my mentor, coach, and most importantly, my friend. Her passion for this organization is truly inspiring, and she has changed the lives of so many young aspiring equestrians across the country. Without her and the Metropolitan Equestrian Team, I would not have had the success that I did. MET and Jane DaCosta truly changed my life, creating unimaginable opportunities and success throughout my equestrian career."

 

Simone Taylor, MET Alumna, Albion College

I have had the privilege of being a part of the Metropolitan Equestrian Team competing in IEA for the duration of 8 years, I can proudly say without any doubt that it has been an experience that has left an incredible mark on not only my equestrian career but also within my own personal development.

From the very first time on the team, I knew it was the team for me. Everyone on the team was welcoming and understanding even though we all came from different backgrounds it was never an issue to make friends and feel supported. When I first joined the team I was very timid, to the point where I did not talk to anyone and hid in my parent's shadow, but with the kids on the team along with the executive director, Jane DaCosta I was able to come out of my shell and become a more confident and independent person.

One of the things that separates MET from other teams is their access to and incorporation of education within equestrian sports. Because of METs educational values I have also been able to take college classes and was able to earn credits with Clarkson University taught by Dr. Piper Klemm, the owner and writer of the Plaid Horse Magazine. These classes have changed my perspective on learning as a whole and even caused me to have a bigger appreciation and understanding of what exactly happens behind the scenes in this sport. Some of the things I was able to learn are business aspects, the breakdown in cost and time, how to better your mind and body, and so many more equine-related topics. During this time is was constantly hearing my favorite mantra “it's not if I'm going to college, it where” This saying was drilled into my head that even I, someone who isn't a fan of school is now attending Albion College and riding for their equestrian team, having almost a full ride, and it's all because of MET.

Looking back on my time with the Metropolitan Equestrian Team, I can only think about all the positive memoirs and adventures with my teammates, coaches, staff, and of course the horses. Being a part of this team has caused me to have some of the best moments in my life and I would not trade them in for the world. I am extremely grateful for all the memories, lessons, and time spent with this team and I am proud to say that I am now an alumnus of MET. I can not wait to see how the team grows and changes in the future.

 

Serinah Palafox, MET Alumna, Hartwick College

I've been a proud member of Metropolitan Equestrian (MET) for six transformative years. Throughout this period, Jane DaCosta and the entire Metropolitan Equestrian organization have profoundly impacted my life in ways words cannot adequately express.

In November of 2017, I stumbled upon an Instagram ad inviting inexperienced riders to join a team. Prior to that moment, I had never ridden a horse, save for the ones at my local petting zoo. When the possibility of riding a horse presented itself, I knew, without a doubt, that I had to be a part of that team.

Equestrian sports were never in the trajectory of my life. As a young girl, I watched the show Heartland and yearned for a chance to ride horses. I pleaded with my parents to give me the opportunity, but sadly, it was financially out of reach. It seemed like equestrian dreams were reserved for others, not "people like me."

Against all odds, Jane took a chance on me and offered a scholarship to join MET. This scholarship made it financially feasible for my family to enroll me in the program, and I became a part of MET's IEA team.

In a short year of showing, countless opportunities arose within this incredible organization. MET turned my dream of potentially riding at a collegiate level into a reality. During my college search, MET provided invaluable educational and athletic resources, which led to a congressional nomination to West Point Military Academy. I had the honor of meeting the head coaches, Peter and Sherry Cashman. Through the generosity of Jane and a kind-hearted donor, I was granted the amazing opportunity to compete at the College Preparatory Invitational (CPI) in West Palm Beach, Florida. It was there that I met my future college coach, Tammy Sousa. This event, alongside MET, enabled me to secure over $180,000 in college scholarships to attend Hartwick College.

As a collegiate athlete and alumna of MET, the organization continued to offer boundless opportunities for growth and learning. Shortly into my undergrad, I became an intern within the organization, serving on their Community Outreach committee. As an intern, I was exposed to the realm of grant writing, educated about the Foundation Center, and came to understand the crucial role of donors and their impact on our organization. I was also tasked with starting up the Youth Advocacy Committee, a profound opportunity to collaborate with fellow MET students. Through this committee, we voiced our concerns, shared our thoughts, advocated for students, and engaged with congressional members, urging legislative changes to create more opportunities for young aspiring athletes. Additionally, I attended various partnership events, some involving teaching animal husbandry and introducing young children to equestrian sports. This journey allowed me to connect with an array of equestrian professionals, such as Chris Mitchell, Bernie Traurig, Anne Kursinski, Sally Batton, and many more.

As you can see, MET transcends being just a team—it's a boundless realm of opportunities. Even as a recent graduate from Hartwick College, MET remains a vital force in my life. During my job search, MET graciously offered me the chance to return and work for them while I navigate my career path. As an alumna, I've had the privilege to network with fellow MET peers, alumni, staff, and parents, each hailing from diverse walks of life. Thanks to this remarkable organization, I am now one step closer to achieving my aspirations.

To the public eye, MET might seem like another non-profit organization or a stable with added amenities. However, Metropolitan Equestrian is home to all its students. It is a place of education and athleticism, fostering growth, networking opportunities, self-discovery, understanding one's worth, entrepreneurship, team camaraderie, equine therapy, education on non-profits, and an immense supportive family dedicated to helping you become the best version of yourself. I Without them, my childhood dreams of receiving a remarkable scholarship to ride at Hartwick College, participate in the IHSA Regional Finals, become the captain of my college equestrian dreams, attend a horse show at the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), and countless other opportunities would have never been attainable. Without this incredible organization, I am uncertain where I would have ended up.”

 

Rachael Wright, MET Equine Opportunity Program

I have been a part of Metropolitan Equestrian’s Equine Opportunity program since 2021. The help and support Metropolitan Equestrian, specifically Jane DaCosta and Lana Ciaramella, have given me these last three years has set me on the path towards becoming someone I never thought I could be. I absolutely would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for the opportunities presented to me by Metropolitan Equestrian. My riding journey started the summer after second grade when my step mom signed me up for a riding camp. After that first day of camp, I immediately knew I wanted riding lessons as soon as possible. I begged my family to get me riding lessons throughout the rest of the summer until finally, just before school started, my father paid $40 for my first riding lesson at EasiHorse. I was riding with EasiHorse until I was 15, my family didn’t have the disposable income to pay for lessons for more advanced training, one of the the only reasons I’m not still riding at EasiHorse is because of Metropolitan Equestrian.

This is when my good friend Janie Wilder comes into the story, Janie is only a year older than me, she was riding the way I wanted to, and surrounded by the community I so desperately craved. We talked about it, and she recommended that I join her on the Metropolitan Equestrian Team, specifically their Equine Opportunity program. My father and I hesitated at the tuition fee, but their financial aid program made it more than possible for us to afford it. The first year I spent with Metropolitan Equestrian was spent looking for suitable barns, still to no avail. Then, in early 2022, a scholarship opportunity was offered to me.

The Metropolitan Equestrian Education Experience Scholarship Program offered me an opportunity to earn insight on equestrian career opportunities, as well as networking with professionals. Myself along with 10 other winners were sent to Wisconsin to train for a week with Emily Elek. This grant also provided me with college credits through online courses at Clarkson University. Through taking advantage of this opportunity, I was invited back to work for Emily later that summer as well as this year. The networking I was able to achieve because of this is crucial in a young equestrian’s career.

In January of 2023, Lana Ciaramella, the Director of Operations and Riding Programs at Metropolitan Equestrian, told me that she might have found someone that was a good fit for me and introduced me to Rajal Schrubb. Rajal has been of unconditional support since I met her, I’m a working student at her barn Sauteuses and it has been the best, most positive experience at a barn I’ve ever had. Rajal has changed my perspective on my equestrian career and has offered me incredible opportunities to work for her in the future. None of this would have been possible without the support of Jane DaCosta and Lana Ciaramella, they both push me beyond every expectation I’ve ever had for myself. I am inexplicably grateful for everything they have done for me. The educational and equestrian opportunities they’ve provided me with have changed the course of my career, and I finally feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be. Trying to get by in this sport without the income majority of equestrians have is difficult, it takes support and hard work, and everyone at Metropolitan Equestrian understands that. Being a part of that family has been the most valuable investment I have ever made, and the work they’ve done and continue to do for others is truly remarkable.