Todd Beamer High School graduate Jackie Ericksen is having an exceptional summer. The 18-year-old took second place in the United States Eventing Association’s Area VII Novice Championship at Caber Farms in Onalaska, held July 21-23. Earlier this year, Ericksen finished first at the Whidbey Island Pony Club.

The USEA is a non-profit organization responsible for organizing and promoting national horse riding competitions with events such as jumping and cross country — a test of a horse’s endurance. Ericksen and her horse, Brodacious, placed second in both events.

A noteworthy fact considering this is Brodacious’ first year of competing. Ericksen purchased the young horse last year and trained him herself. She says it is the cheapest and her preferred way of doing things.

“I like to bring them along myself,” she said.

Ericksen says there are certain qualities she looks for when training a horse and is pleased with how well Brodacious has done.

“He’s had a successful summer,” Ericksen said.

She continues with his rigorous training, visiting him daily at a stable near her home and riding six days a week.

Riding since age 10, Ericksen said her mother always loved horses and got her into it. As a child, she made the decision to give up dancing and track so that she could concentrate on her training. She has been competing for the last three years.

Ericksen qualified for the Caber Farms Horse Trials when she finished first in the Novice Division at the Whidbey Island Pony Club this past July.

Her second place at Caber Farms qualifies Ericksen and her horse for the American Eventing Championships, taking place in September. However she hasn’t decided whether or not to attend.

“It’s a long haul,” Ericksen said.

Either way, she has plenty going on right here in Federal Way.

Ericksen, a running start student her senior year, intends to go back to Highline Community College for her associate’s degree in business. In the meantime she has begun her own business providing lessons and horse training. Holly Would Eventing was named after Ericksen’s first event horse.

She plans to stay in the area and expand her business. She hopes to one day have a farm of her own.

For more information about training with Ericksen, email her at www.hweventing@aol.com.