Discipline: Show Jumper
Social Media: @loiscooperr
Meet Free Ride Sponsored Rider Lois:
Growing up, I was a competitive gymnast, but at 12, I started competing in rodeo. At 14, I switched to show jumping and have never looked back. While I have dabbled in the equitation and hunter rings, my heart belongs to the jumpers.
Now a junior in college pursuing my bachelor’s degree, I balance my undergraduate studies with riding and training my two jumpers while also being a member of a sorority on campus. Academic excellence is very important to me, and you’ll often find me studying while watching the rings.
I compete primarily at Tryon, which is only an hour from our farm, but I also enjoy traveling to Aiken and Ocala in the winter when my school schedule permits. Currently, I compete in the Medium Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers and small Grand Prix classes, with plans to continue moving up as winter approaches.
Long term, my goal is to compete in the U25 division and at the FEI level.
What’s the most important lesson horses have taught you?
Horses have taught me to lower my expectations, and not in a bad way. Having expectations for a ride or a show can set you up for disappointment. Don’t have expectations; have goals. If you don’t reach your goal, you still have tomorrow to try again.
This mindset eliminates the disappointment that inevitably follows placing expectations on horses. They are, above all, sentient, feeling animals.
Do you have a routine or item for good luck before a competition? If so, what is it?
Coffee... haha.
If you didn't want to be a pro rider, what would you be doing?
I have always been fond of the idea of being a conservational biologist!
Who inspires you to push further, show up more, and to keep striving to the next level?
I am constantly watching those that are better than me, Sophie Hinners, Nina Malleavey, and Kent Farrington, are all riders I look up to. There is always something to learn, always something to work on from seeing and listening to those who know more. I always hope to be in a constant state of getting better!
Tell us about a horse that impacted your riding journey? How?
My horse, Impala, has had an incredible impact on my entire life. He has carried me through some of the most formative years of my young adulthood, from age 17 to now, at 21.
In 2023, when I was 18, just a few weeks after competing in our first Grand Prix, Impala sustained an injury that sidelined us for 11 months. The patience and gratitude I gained from that setback completely shifted my perspective. I waited painstakingly through months of rehab to finally be back in the saddle with Impala.
When we returned, my mindset shifted from focusing solely on results to appreciating real progress, connection, and growth within our partnership. I am truly so thankful to have a horse who fills such a large part of my heart!
What are your Favorite Free Ride Pieces?
My new favorite is the Define Breeches, they have the perfect amount of structure for show breeches while still being extremely comfortable.
The Pro Breeches are what I reach for every day. I find myself doing so much more than just riding, and the lightweight, legging-like feel of these breeches keeps me comfortable even after wearing them for hours. No digging seams or waistbands!
My favorite thing about FRE is the variety of styles. I find myself wanting a different fit depending on what my day looks like. Of course, the color selection you’ll find in FRE breeches is unparalleled. My favorite colors for this fall are Urban Bronze and Hunter Green.
