“Zoie excelled as a student in my intensive US History summer course at Crossroads. She shaped our summer together by being critically reflective, open-minded, assiduously prepared plus intellectually as well as personally generous of spirit. The course demanded enormous commitment and concentration: Hers never wavered. Zoie’s contributions to discussions were strategic interventions that always propelled our class forward, and she graciously assumed leadership roles in small-group assignments, ensuring that her peers dove beneath the surface of the historical facts to explore the larger structures at play. Poised and self-possessed as well as good-humored and kind-hearted, she exerts agency in taking responsibility for her own learning as well as for the group dynamic. She also responded remarkably well to feedback on her written work and demonstrated exceptional intellectual flexibility in adopting new perspectives and modes of analytical inquiry. Having previously taught as a professor at Princeton University, I can say with confidence that Zoie’s critical thinking and analytical writing skills already match those of top first-year college students; moreover, her personal maturity places her easily among the top 1% of high-school students I have known. I genuinely respect her intellect, especially her capacity for critical theory, and hope she continues to pursue work in cultural studies. I am certain that faculty as well as students will find that she enriches and enlivens every classroom conversation and indeed the entire campus community.”
~ Elizabeth Bergman, PhD, Summer Educator in History at Crossroads
“I highly recommend Zoie Brogdon as a candidate for any college riding program. I have been Zoie’s instructor and horse trainer since 2015, where I served as the Riding Director for Compton Jr. Posse. From walk trot equitation on the flat to 1.20m classics, I recognized Zoie’s extraordinary talents from a very young age and have had the pleasure to watch Zoie develop into a confident and capable young horsewoman.
Zoie is extremely dedicated with a strong work ethic. She had the perseverance to transform her horse Emilon from a difficult, highly sensitive rogue horse into a solid confident trusting competitor. The horses at my barn have been donated and have their unique challenges. However, Zoie has always been the rider at the barn who enjoys riding the most challenging horses, and she has the ability to transform these horses. Zoie is also an unbelievable competitor and knows how to enter the ring and create the winning ride against top riders – amateur and professional – on the most challenging horse.
I am impressed by Zoie’s attitude and her desire to support her team mates. If the other riders are experiencing problems, Zoie is always ready to step in and offer emotional and technical support. She is a huge asset to my barn. Zoie also has great organizational skills. Not only does she have a highly successful show jumping career – she puts her academic studies first and is committed to the pursuit of excellence resulting in a high grade point average and a stellar scholastic record.
Zoie is a creative, intelligent, and capable young woman with a great sense of humor. She is an excellent candidate for any college riding program and I recommend her without reservation.”
~ Victoria Faerber (310) 579-5043
“My name is Will Simpson. I am an Olympic Gold medalist in the sport of Equestrian Show Jumping. I have coached Zoie in the sport for the past 4 years. The progress she has made has been beyond comprehension. She has traveled far distances for lessons and at times demanded more of my time than I thought I had for lessons, in an effort to hone her skills. Truth is, she has pushed me to be a better coach! Not only has she become a decorated championship equestrian, she has blossomed into a confident, strong, intelligent, young women that will be a valuable asset in any walk of life. It is my belief that this young lady will be a positive influence for her generation. It is with absolute certainty that I recommend Zoie for your consideration.”
~ Will Simpson (805) 431-6413
“Zoie was brought to my attention the summer of 2020. Zoie currently rides a horse I used to ride years ago. Zoie was having difficulty with this horse stopping on the grass field, so Zoie’s trainer reached out to ask about his prior history. Initially, my involvement was to just help Zoie and her horse re-establish their confidence, but after watching some videos it was apparent that Zoie was a very talented rider and I wanted to further help her in her show career. After seeing that Zoie was a quick study, and realizing that the year-end finals qualifying criteria had been loosened due to COVID, I proceeded to get Zoie entered into the Ronnie W. Mutch Equitation Championship by special invitation with the very generous offer of a borrowed horse. Zoie prepared for the equitation championship with just a 5 week immersion course with different trainers at a barn where I used to be affiliated. Zoie worked extremely hard preparing and really rose to the occasion. In the Ronnie Mutch class, Zoie put in a smooth, forward round with only one mistake. It is not easy to show up and show amongst some of the nation’s top junior equitation riders without prior equitation experience. Zoie demonstrated a great deal of confidence, competence, and humility. It is clear to me that Zoie has the talent and mental game to be competing in the equitation ring, with the same focus, precision and excellence that she has in the jumper ring.
One of the qualities I find most amazing about Zoie is her mindset. Along with her natural talent on a horse, she keeps a cool head and a quiet confidence that I believe will take her far in the sport. On the Saturday prior to the Ronnie Mutch competition, I entered Zoie in the CPHA Style of Riding class as a warmup for the equitation championship the next day. Zoie had remote schooling that morning at 8:30am, so we were able to move her up to go first in the order so she could get back to the hotel in time for her online class. Zoie placed 6th out of 49 riders with a solid round. While many riders I know would be nervous going first, not to mention their first time ever in a big equitation class, I was incredibly impressed with what Zoie did with her nerves and how she channeled them into an effective focus in the ring. And it wasn’t that she didn’t have nerves, but she was able to redirect them and use them effectively rather than freezing. Zoie is clearly very sharp. She watches, she listens, she absorbs, and then translates it all into skills on a horse.
On a personal note, Zoie is a very pleasant, personable, respectful and conscientious young lady. She worked hard during lessons to get everything right and asked important questions. Although my barn at the time provided its own grooms for Zoie at the show, Zoie wanted to help take care of the horse herself – every day she iced, wrapped, poulticed, cleaned tack, etc. Zoie blended into our barn seamlessly. She was very attentive with our young pony riders, and helped the girls memorize their courses. She took on this role of offering her support naturally, without being asked – an overall team player. As a sport we should be promoting diversity, and in my opinion, Zoie is the complete package and more than worthy of being accepted onto the best college equestrian team.”
~ Zazou Hoffman (310) 463-6284
“When I first met Zoie Brogdon she was an ambitious young rider attending Foxfield, a summer camp for horse back riding. I was immediately impressed with her maturity and genuine care for the horses as well as her passion to learn all aspects of horsemanship. She exhibits a consistent desire to push towards the next level with her competitive spirit and hard working drive. The ability to manage her time and be successful with accomplishing her goals is a testament to her organizational skills. Zoie has deep compassion and sincerity that draws you to her, the empathy and ability to translate feelings into words is exhibited in her talent for prose. I truly believe that Zoie possesses the abilities and qualities that are necessary to be an integral part of a college team as well as keeping on track with the rigorous schedule of academic curriculum. Her experiences and people skills will make her a most sought after student to any college community.”
~ Cindy Perry Postel (805)443-291
“I first met Zoie Brogdon through the Compton Junior Equestrian Program, and I have had the honor of knowing her for about five years.
West Palms Event Management is one of the largest hunter/jumper horse show management companies in the United States. The West Palms Michael Nyuis Scholarship offers support for young riders who have the passion and drive to compete but lack the financial resources to do so consistently throughout the year. Up to twelve total scholarships are awarded annually and recipients are selected based on their commitment and dedication to the sport.
Zoie has been a multi-year recipient of the scholarship, which consists of horse show credit. Scholarship recipients must commit to ten hours of volunteer work for West Palms Events and must tag West Palms Events on social media weekly.
During our horse shows, I’ve observed Zoie’s work ethic. Whether it was waking up early to care for her horse before school or volunteering her weekends, I noticed Zoie was mature beyond her years.
Zoie’s initiative is why West Palms has invited her to be part of the Michael Nyuis Scholarship Program. She is a dedicated team player who always wants to help out. Both the scholarship coordinator, Brooke Goddard, and I have been impressed with Zoie’s willingness to learn and grow.
Zoie has unusually strong interpersonal skills for someone of her age. She is confident and composed, even while under pressure. Not only does she show up on-time and appropriately attired, but she conducts herself with graciousness. I admire Zoie for her poise, focus, and passion. There is no doubt in my mind that Zoie is going to be successful at whatever she puts her mind to.”
~Dale Harvey, CEO, West Palms Events (714) 785-9467