For our very first Kid That Rocks we introduce you to young Piper Cooksey, only 10 years old and already learning the ropes in handling a horse like a champ. Piper got started at Cornerstone Sport Horses owned by Courtney Kozak off Honea Egypt just a couple years ago and says she felt right away that she loved being around horses. "They are just so beautiful!" she says, adding that she loves grooming them because they are so soft. In fact, getting the horses ready to ride is a process called "tacking" and she says she likes that part just as much as riding them. 

Their horse trainer at Cornerstone is Amanda Leh (Woodforest resident) and they're really thrilled with how patient, knowledgeable, and loving yet firm she is. A true professional! Amanda says Piper has really come along quickly, and has been impressed with her eagerness to learn and conquer new goals. Piper says she was about three months in before she was able to jump with a horse. When asked what it was like jumping with a horse she says "It doesn’t really feel like anything but just a hop. It’s very exciting."

Piper has already performed in 2 barn shows held at Cornerstone, which is where they get to test their skills sets in competition. She placed 1st in costume at the Halloween Barn Show, 3rd in the skills/obstacle course portion, and 2nd in the hoop drills. Now she's looking to do some traveling for other barn shows either later this year or next year. 

Her favorite horse’s name was Topper, and sadly he passed after breaking his shoulder. She now alternates between Sheldon and Toaster (full name Toaster Strudel) as she finds out her best horse. There are all kinds of different horses for different types of riders and different skill sets. Piper’s skill set as of now seems to be jumping and controlling the horse in a graceful manner. Congratulations young Piper and keep it up! 

Pull quote * "Her eagerness to get on the horse and learn new things has been very impressive" -Coach Amanda Leh