Independent Streak

9/14/2023

By Laura Hamlin Weiler ’00, Head of Community Engagement

Sam Aisenberg ’24 is riding high in the saddle both in the equestrian ring and in her school community

Performing in horse shows is a paradox. On the one hand, you must be constantly in sync with your equine partner. On the other hand, as a competitor, you are totally alone when your turn comes to enter the ring. This demand for partnership and chemistry — coupled with a need for independence — is just one of the things that makes equestrian sports unique. You are in classes against other horses and riders, but when the time comes to perform, you are out there alone.

Some may find this spotlight daunting, however for Sam Aisenberg ’24, there is magic in the pressure. Aisenberg has been riding since she was eight years old, and has spent the last several years fully committed to her craft. Her commitment and hard work came to fruition in a major way this summer, with her winning both the Deep Run Horse Show’s Bryan Trophy and the Amy Reistrup Equitation Challenge at the Lexington National Horse Show.

The Bryan Trophy Horsemanship Class began in 1962 (the horse show itself began in 1937) and is the most prestigious award given at the show. It is awarded to the junior rider (under 18 years old) who exhibits the best sportsmanship over the course of complex tests. Winning the class had been a goal of Aisenberg’s, ever since she was eight years old. In a June 24, 2023 article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch about her victory, Aisenberg said, “It’s been my dream ever since I’ve started showing at Deep Run and to get the opportunity on him (Ballon) is just incredibly awesome.” The class had three rounds of different tests, and Aisenberg was in second place after the first round. She maintained her confidence and excelled in the final two rounds to take the victory.

The Amy Reistrup Equitation Challenge at the Lexington National Horse Show was another goal Aisenberg had eyed for years. The class was created as a memorial for rider Amy Reistrup who died from ovarian cancer. Her husband designed the class because Reistrup believed in the value of building independence. The class requires riders to receive no outside help from their trainers, and riders must qualify for the class by winning another equitation championship. They are assessed in multiple phases, including their warm-ups. Their round over fences is both scored and timed, and Aisenberg tested in second place after this round. Over the remaining tests, she rose to first place to be named champion.

“It felt amazing to reach my goals, the goals I have had since I first learned of these classes and what they required. Winning equitation is about you as a rider, not just your horse, and all of the hard work I personally have put in paid off,” said Aisenberg of the victory.

The hard work she referenced had included traveling to Wellington, Florida for two weeks this winter to ride and show. While there, Aisenberg was responsible not only for herself and her horse, but also for keeping up with school work as the third grading period came to a close. Aisenberg’s schedule included myriad honors and IB classes, so this was no small feat.

This challenging experience created growth in Aisenberg, which translated to her riding. “Having to work so independently and having so much pressure to handle everything on my own, it made me rely on the things I have been taught and what I knew worked for me,” she said. “When I returned home, I processed the importance of relying on what I know works for me, and I really grew as a rider and a student.”

Aisenberg credits Trinity with giving her the independence to grow while knowing she had unending support from her teachers and administrators. “At Trinity, you are trusted with a lot of freedom and independence, and I have learned how to value it and how to embrace it,” she said. “I appreciate how you… have someone in your corner to support you. That has been the key for me. ”

Despite her demanding riding schedule, Aisenberg stayed connected to the Trinity community throughout high school. She played volleyball in ninth grade and tennis in tenth grade and has attended many sporting events, art shows and other social outings. Her favorite Titan memory thus far was the 2021 football state championship game. “The game was so exciting to watch and being in the student section cheering and then rushing the field and celebrating was so much fun.”

For Aisenberg, when choosing a high school, she ultimately chose Trinity because, “I liked the opportunities available to have the high school experiences and also know my passion for riding could be supported.”

And as for advice for future Titans? “Definitely get involved in school some way whether that’s a club or you try a new sport for the first time,” she said. “Keep school as the priority but have a good time doing your activities because the teachers at Trinity are very understanding and will work with you to support your activity and your passion.”

After an historic summer, Aisenberg next turns her attention to finishing her senior year of high school and her campaign as a junior rider (under 18 years old). With great momentum from achieving two major goals, she is excited for the future and given all she has learned from her riding experiences, she feels well-equipped for whatever tests lie ahead.

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About “Connections”

Connections is a regular online column, written from the first-person perspective of Laura Hamlin Weiler ’00, Head of Community Engagement:

In this space, I have the privilege of sharing stories of Trinity students, alumni, and faculty and staff who are carrying our mission beyond the boundaries of campus. Many of these stories might not make the headlines, but they will illustrate how every member of the Trinity community has a unique path to discover, and the ability to make an impact on both the Trinity community and the world beyond.

I am fortunate to have been a part of this community since my own adolescence. I have been a student, a teacher, a coach, and an administrator, and in these roles I have witnessed the school’s growth and evolution through the years. We have grown in size as well as spirit.

Stories here will capture how seeds planted at Trinity have taken root and flourished into full-grown passions. You’ll also read stories of those in our community who bring their gifts from outside to help us learn. At Trinity, we seek to develop lifelong learners, and stories here will illustrate real-life examples of that beautiful symbiosis.