Meet the USDF Region Juniors and Young Riders
We are lucky to have many talented up and coming riders in Region 5. Please take a few moments to get to know some of our youth!
Catherine Burlew
Hi! My name is Catherine Burlew. I am currently trying to qualify at NAYC in the Junior Rider division with my horse Hĝjgaardens Scirocco (Rocco). I am a sophomore at St. Mary's Academy in Colorado, and, outside of riding, I enjoy hiking, working out, and attending car meets. This will hopefully be my third year competing at NAYC, and I am beyond excited to be on the Region 5 team this year!
Ava Hupp
Hi! My name is Ava Hupp and I am hoping to qualify for NAYC in the Junior division with my mare Summer Fun! I am 16 years old and finishing my sophomore year at Rock Canyon High School. I've grown up around horses my whole life, but have partnered with Summer for the last 2 years and I'm so grateful and excited for this opportunity to continue growing in the sport and strengthen my bond with her even more. When I am not at the barn, I enjoy hiking, lake days and hanging out with friends.
Taylor Karriker
My name is Taylor Karriker, and 1 am a 18 year-old dressage rider, I began my journey in the sport at a young age and currently, I am competing with my partner, Zaltamonte ("Z'). Together, we have shown through Prix St. Georges and I earned my Silver Medal in 2024. I have been to NAYC once and I hope to qualify this year! When I am not riding, I enjoy art and physical activity.
Samantha MacDonald
Hey everyone! I'm Sami MacDonald, a junior rider from Region 5 in Arizona. 2025 was an amazing season, and winning the FEI Pony Championship with Candy Crush was an absolute dream.
Now, I'm so excited to move up to the Junior divisions with my new partner, Snapchat! "Snaps" and I are still a brand-new team, but I have big goals for us. Right now, I'm focused on building our bond, getting experience in the new division, having fun together.
Outside of the barn, I just finished my sophomore year at Xavier College Preparatory. When I'm not riding, I love working out and hiking with my friends. I can't wait to see what the future holds for Snaps and me!
Katherine Nayak
My name is Katie Nayak and I'm a 21 year old young rider from AZ! I currently go to the University of Arizona and I train with David Wightman. I have a double major in Linguistics and Classics with a minor in Italian. Outside of riding and formal schooling, I enjoy yoga, journaling, and learning new languages. I have traveled to many places in Europe including Italy, Germany, Holland, and England. Being able to see and live in the ancient ruins left behind is one of the coolest feelings! I hope to represent Region 5 at either YR or U25 level this year along side all my amazing R5 friends!!
Kali Riddell
Hi! My name is Kali Riddell. I am a 20 year old young rider from Scottsdale, Arizona. I currently go to school in Denver and train with Holly Bergay. My horse's name is Galaxy Quest. He and I have been partners for a little over a year now and I am so grateful to be able to ride such an incredible horse. I study biology, chemistry, and bioengineering and I am currently performing biochemistry research on bacteria. Outside of riding and obviously a lot of studying, I love to hike, ski, run, and I am a certified yoga instructor. I also love hanging out with my best friends, specifically watching reality tv with my amazing roommates and baking cookies for them. GQ is full of personality and loves all of his friends at the barn, specifically donkey (a donkey named donkey). Region 5 is full of incredible athletes and horses and I am honored to be able to compete alongside them and find our way to NAYC as a team. Go Region 5!!!
Nicola Valentine
Hi! My name is Nicola Valentine, and I am a Young Rider from Scottsdale, Arizona. I ride Everdeen, known at home as Ed, who I have been partnered with for over a year and a half. Ed loves the homemade cookies I make for him, and he has the best mix of charisma, confidence, and affection.
I am currently a junior at Arizona State University studying Biological Sciences with a concentration in Conservation Biology and Ecology. Outside of riding, I enjoy strength training, baking, hiking, learning about history, and spending time with friends. Representing Region 5 at NAYC means so much to me because Arizona is my home, and it is something I used to dream about. I am so grateful to Ed, my parents, my coach, and everyone who has helped us get here.
Ellis Venkatesh
Hi! My name is Ellis Venkatesh and I am 15 years old. I live in Gilbert, Arizona. I am currently a
freshman in High School. I have been with my partner, LAqiedo (AJ), for three years. We hope
to represent Region 5 this year at NAYC in the Junior Young Rider Division. When I am not
riding dressage, I enjoy playing beach volleyball. One day, I hope to be a veterinarian.
