Saratoga teen wins gold on U.S. Saddle Seat World Cup Team

(NEWS10) - In December 2024, Sophia Eckardt represented her country in South Africa for the International Saddle Seat Equitation World Cup. Sophia, along with her teammates, took home the gold medal for the U.S. three-gaited team. 

NEWS10 spoke to the Saratoga Springs High School graduate in June, right after she heard she made the U.S. Equestrian Team. The 19-year-old athlete has been riding at Rolling Oaks in Gansevoort since she was seven. She enjoys teaching her love of the sport with people of all ages.

Sophia is currently a student at the University of New Hampshire. She is studying business and is interested in working with horses, possibly pursuing the training side of it in the future.