RILEY DELANEY

Hey there, I’m Riley Delaney, a 16-year-old equestrian from the beautiful coastal town of Santa Cruz, California. Riding has been my passion for as long as I can remember—12 years to be exact. While I’ve been around horses for quite some time, I’ve only delved into the world of equitation for the past two years, training diligently under the watchful eye of Cassie Belmont at Belmont Training Stables.

 

This year, I’ve achieved several top accomplishments, including finishing 7th Overall at the NorCal 3’6” Medal Final, 9th in the NHS Hamel Area Championships out of 29 riders, and 10th Overall at Jump Seat Medal Finals West with a flat score of 86.5, which placed us 4th overall before an unfortunate rail in the jumping phase. I also placed 7th in the Age Group Equitation at the National Horse Show and was honored to receive the Leo Conroy Grant, which allowed me to compete at the NHS Hamel Medal Finals, where I was on the standby list for a while.

 

My 2024 year-end results include finishing as Reserve Champion in Zone 10 in the 15-17 Age Group Equitation out of over 200 riders, Reserve Champion in the PCHA Year-End Rankings for the same division out of more than 100 riders, and 13th out of 70+ in the West Coast NCEA/USEF Medal Finals Rankings. Competing at the NHS Hamel Medal Finals in Kentucky was a major highlight for me. It was my first time attending the NHS, and the experience was phenomenal. From hacking in the middle of the night to cheering on all my friends from West Coast barns, placing 7th in my age equitation section, and being on the standby list for the Hamel, I gained a stronger and more confident mindset.

 

This season was also a milestone for my horse, Shady Blue PS. Transitioning from a 1.30 junior jumper to competing in 3’3”-3’6” medal finals, he showed incredible resilience after recovering from an injury earlier this year. I’m so proud of the teamwork and consistency we demonstrated over three months of tough competition. My second horse, Capalo, has also been a cherished partner, each with their unique strengths contributing to my journey.

 

When I’m not in the saddle, I’m often buried in my studies at Pacific Collegiate School, where I’ve maintained an unweighted GPA of 3.93. My academic passion lies in behavioral science, as I’m fascinated by understanding the complexities of human behavior and its developmental roots. I hope to one day leverage this knowledge to make a meaningful impact on others’ lives.

 

As I look to the future, the idea of riding in college excites me deeply. Being part of a team where everyone shares my passion for horses is incredibly appealing, especially after witnessing the camaraderie and support among teammates at championships. Riding isn’t just a hobby for me—it’s where I find joy, peace, and purpose, no matter what life throws my way.