Age: 18

Family: Parents, John and Michelle Nirenstein; brother, Parker.

Education: Elementary and middle school in Tiburon, California; Redwood High School, Larkspur, California (graduated in 2015); currently attending the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor but in the process of transferring to a California school so I can show my horse more.

Career Goals: I want to work in the automotive industry because I have been surrounded by it all my life. My entire family is interested in cars and it has been a passion of mine since I was young.

First Rides: My mom signed me up for a summer camp but when I got there I started crying and told her I didn’t want to ride. Thankfully, this was the only time in my life my mom had ever forced me to try something I didn’t want to and I am forever grateful. After getting on a horse, I was hooked.

First Shows: I started showing at schooling shows at Dickson Ranch in Novato, California in 2006. From there, I progressed to “larger” shows including Gold N Grand in Sacramento, California.

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First Prize: First place in 10 & Under Western Pleasure at Dickson Ranch in 2006.

Trainer: Nancy Renfro.

Current Show Partner: No Doubt Im Trouble (Danica), a 2012 bay mare by No Doubt Im Lazy and out of Troubles A Blazin. After one full semester of college without riding, I couldn’t bear it any longer and begged my mom to let me ride again. We bought Danica about a month ago. My trainer found her and thought she was the perfect fit so I bought her over the phone and flew out the next day to meet her.

Classes Showing: Western Pleasure and Performance Halter Mares this year. I plan to add Horsemanship, Trail, Showmanship and Western Riding in the future.

Biggest Show Accomplishment: 14-18 Western Pleasure win, 2016 AQHA Level 1 Championships.

Biggest Accomplishment Outside The Ring: 2015 High School Drag Racing Champion.

My Motivation: I have a very competitive nature which keeps me going but I also do it for the love of the animal. There is a special bond between horse and rider when you are out there competing. It’s rewarding when I’m able to feel my horse and know what she is going to do.

Favorite Show: AQHA World Championship Youth Show.

Favorite Class: My favorite class to watch is Western Riding because when a horse is a phenomenal changer it is unlike any other maneuver. I find it very impressive. My favorite class to ride depends on the horse I own at the time and thus fluctuates! Right now it’s Western Pleasure.

Most people would be surprised to learn that I…: Race cars. Whenever people find out I race they usually make a bunch of puns about “horsepower.” I’ve been racing since I got my license and earned the year end award in high school as the top drag racer. It’s funny how different the atmosphere of the two sports are. In riding, I compete against almost all females, but in racing, I’m lucky to see another girl.

Interests Outside of Horses: I am extremely into exercising and love participating in various sports (snowboarding, rock-climbing, gymnastics). I did gymnastics for nine years but had to quit in order to totally focus on riding – balancing two sports that require extreme time management and dedication was near impossible. I enjoy running Spartan Races which are anywhere between three and 26 miles with various obstacles.

My Hero: My mom. I could not pursue my dreams without her support and dedication. She is a special woman.