A Confident Career

By Sarah Maurer ’22

Going into my time at Houghton, I never planned to leave with a full-time career in horses. I was incredibly passionate about riding, and though the equestrian program was a big part of my motivation to attend Houghton in the first place, my primary intent was to further my training and knowledge before leaving for a career in the medical field. I double majored in Biology and International Development, with minors in Public Health and Equestrian Studies. Though that may sound like a confusing combination, I loved each area of study and finding ways to integrate them with one another.

Despite my plans, by the time graduation approached, I found myself looking more seriously toward an equestrian career. My time in the equestrian program had shaped me so significantly, I couldn’t imagine not continuing to have training and riding as a major part of my life. Over four years, my horsemanship, riding level, management knowledge, and passion for the sport had grown exponentially. I graduated in love with teaching and training, and confident in my knowledge and skills to do so professionally.

Today, four years after graduating, I am the owner of my own training business in Knoxville, Tennessee, and the head coach of the University of Tennessee’s intercollegiate dressage team. I have continued to grow in my own education as a rider and trainer, and I use the tools I learned at Houghton daily. I am so incredibly grateful to the professors in the equestrian program who invested so deeply in me, even though I wasn’t an equine major. I am blessed to still have relationships with them, and I know I can always reach out for career help, training advice, or to catch up on life. Having a network of trainers in the industry that I deeply respect gives me the confidence that there are people in my corner, especially when being a business owner can feel daunting.

My time in the Biology and Global Studies departments taught me so much as well, and I have never regretted pursuing multiple areas of study. I came away as a more well-rounded person, student of the world and follower of Christ. I have been blessed with opportunities to pursue passions in and out of the equestrian field. Through experiences travelling and working abroad, studying the biological world around me, and pursuing my equestrian dreams, I left Houghton confident of which path God was leading me down and better able to love those around me better. My time at Houghton gave me perspective and pushed me to grow professionally and personally. As I navigate life today as a young business owner in a complex world, I am grateful for the strong foundation I built there and for those who invested in me to make it all possible.

Sarah Maurer ’22 is the owner of Strategy Sport Horses LLC in Knoxville, Tennessee, and the dressage coach for the University of Tennessee. She holds a dual degree in biology and international development with minors in public health and equestrian studies.