Maria Costa Balances It All
– Where are you originally from?
I’m originally from Pittsburgh, PA. I lived there until I graduated high school three years ago.
– Where do you currently reside?
After I was out of high school, my family moved to New York City and I started college in Connecticut.
– When and where did you start riding?
I started riding when I was 8 years old at BarGee Farms in Pittsburgh, PA.
– How did you start riding? Does any of your family ride?
Actually, nobody in my family rides horses. However, I feel like my parents and siblings have become horse people throughout the years just by constantly being supportive of me. Horses were always my favorite animal for as long as I can remember and one day my dad surprised me by driving me to a horse farm close to my house. He said, “You love horses so much. I think you should try taking a riding lesson and see if you like it.” That was one of the best, and most important, days of my life. After that, it quickly escalated from a hobby into a way of life.
– Can you list some highlights from your junior and amateur years?
My greatest accomplishment of all my years riding thus far is being able to have ridden my horse, Sandman, in my first Grand Prix two summers ago after showing him in the Low Children’s Jumpers in Wellington just two seasons prior to that.
– What horses do you currently ride and show?
Here at FTI WEF I am currently showing Winston, a 10 year-old gelding, and Azermie, an 8 year-old mare. My other two horses, Sandman and Reno, are not showing this circuit.
– Who do you train with?
I train at Windsor Show Stables with Christine and Jonathan McCrea.
– How is college going for you?
College is going really well. I have already learned so much and have had so many experiences that have helped me grow as a person, and I am not even half way done yet!
– Do you find it hard to juggle school and your competitive horse show schedule?
At first, juggling school and competition seemed intimidating but it turned out to be really productive. I found that the traveling for riding became a bit of a routine and my hectic schedule forced me to focus more on both my school work and my riding.
– What do you want to do after college?
Ultimately, after college I hope to continue a career in the horse industry. I am not quite sure to what degree, yet, but horses are my one true passion in life and I cannot imagine being satisfied with a career that does not include working with them in some way.
– How has FTI WEF been going for you so far?
So far, FTI WEF has been great. I cannot believe it is already week 5, but at the same time, I feel that my horses and I have already made so much progress since the beginning of the season.
– What is your favorite part of FTI WEF?
My favorite part of FTI WEF is the variety of options. There are so many great classes for horses and riders of every age and level to take advantage of.
– What are your riding goals for this year?
My main riding goal is much the same every year. I want to learn and improve as a rider and horsewoman as much as I possibly can, and hopefully that knowledge and experience will carry over to the show ring and my results.
Facts About Maria:
– What are three things you always have with you?
My phone, sunglasses and chapstick.
– What is your favorite color?
Sky Blue!
– What is your favorite food?
French Fries. I’m addicted.
– Favorite place to shop?
Online. Going shopping can be so overwhelming sometimes!
– One word that comes to mind when you hear “WEF.”
Competitive. The volume of top riders at this horse show is incredible and getting a ribbon in any class is a huge accomplishment.
FTI WEF 
Great Picture !!