Teen Reagen Richey Harnessing Horseback Dreams

Reagen Richey’s journey into the world of equestrian sports began when she was just six years old, taking lessons at a small barn. Her father, who worked with a farrier, noticed her fascination with horses and decided to introduce her to riding. Her first lesson was a revelation, igniting a passion that has driven her ever since. She fondly recalls how her grandfather moved across the street from Kasondra Heilman, an instructor who played a crucial role in her early development as a rider. Over the next decade, Reagen immersed herself in various equine-related activities, participating in Clackamas County’s Horse 4-H program and laying the foundation for a lifelong journey in equestrian sports.

Reagen’s path was challenging. She didn’t come from a family with a lot of money or experience in equestrian sports. But her dedication and resilience were evident from the start. She leased her first horse, Cody, who provided her with basic knowledge about horses and the workings of horse shows. After about five years with Cody, Reagen took a significant step and purchased her own horse, a young Tobiano tri-colored pinto named Mazy. This marked the beginning of her journey into training and rehabilitating a horse that she gave a second chance at life.

“The bond between a rider and her horse is unbreakable,” Reagen explains. “There’s so much hard work involved in caring for a horse, and it keeps you focused.” This dedication not only kept Reagen on track but also inspired her career choice. Currently pursuing a degree in elementary education, Reagen credits her experience with horses for instilling the values of discipline, patience and compassion. She aims to channel these qualities into her future career as a teacher, hoping to impart the same drive and resilience she learned from her equestrian endeavors.

In the competitive arena, Reagen competed in various disciplines, including dressage, western equitation, English equitation, showmanship, trail, working rancher events and certain gaming events. Her favorite is showmanship, which involves groundwork where the rider is on the ground with the horse. Reagen excels in this discipline, citing it as a fundamental component of horse training. “Groundwork is the basis of all training,” she emphasizes. “It’s a different form of discipline, and I’ve always loved it.”

A typical training week for Reagen and Mazy involves riding for three to four days, focusing on flatwork and basic maneuvers. She pays close attention to how Mazy handles her frame, ensuring they meet the standards judges look for in competitions. Mentally and physically, preparing for competitions involves a routine of prayer and deep breathing to calm her nerves, understanding that her horse is sensitive to her emotions. “If I’m stressed, Mazy can feel it,” Reagen notes, highlighting the deep connection between horse and rider.

Reagen’s competitive achievements are impressive, having participated in several championships. Cody, the horse she leased, won reserve grand champion in showmanship 2017, and Reagen won a belt buckle. In 2023, she was the grand champion in Western Equitation, a moment she describes as feeling “like a million dollars.” Her horse Mazy has taken her to the state level four years in a row, and in 2022, Reagen earned the reserve grand champion in dressage with the third-highest score in Oregon. She has competed in numerous championships, and each victory reinforces the bond and reflects the teamwork between her and Mazy.

Looking ahead, Reagen is balancing her competitive aspirations with her academic goals. She continues to compete in open shows while working two jobs and attending school. Her future plans include transferring from Clackamas Community College to a four-year school, possibly Western Oregon University, to complete her degree in elementary education.

Reflecting upon her equestrian journey, Reagen acknowledges its profound impact on her personal and professional life. She has learned compassion, respect and the importance of perseverance. “Horses have taught me to listen and have compassion,” she says, underscoring how the skills and values from her equestrian experience have shaped her character and will continue to guide her future endeavors.