Elevate: Meet Breezy Brookins

Welcome to Elevate, our new spotlight series to honor, lift up, and highlight riders just like you from all disciplines and walks of life. If you’re like us, supporting and growing our equestrian community is an important mission, and a mission we are proud to hold at the heart of Sterling Essentials.

This month, we’d love you to meet Brianna “Breezy” Brookins, a hard working eventer from North Carolina, USA that brings absolute joy and style to her every ride.

SE: Who are the horses in your life, and when did you begin working with each of them?

BB: I currently own Gambino, or G as call him! He’s a 6 (almost 7!) year old 16h OTTB. We are training him and myself to be eventers! I also work/lesson on Cheezit, a compact 15.3 superstar of a mare! She competed through prelim. and is an awesome ride and great teacher. [And] Kahlua, a true “sour patch kid” of a chestnut mare! She’s a 16.2 Irish sport horse, and lastly Delilah, or “Big D Mare”. She’s a 16.1 chestnut mare with a heart of gold, rehabbing from a mystery lameness! 

SE: What are their personalities? Do they have any fun habits, quirks, likes/dislikes?

BB: Gambino is super chill! Lazy guy, doesn’t care about much of anything but snacks. He’s always down to go with the flow and get some cuddles. He really loves ear scratches and smiling for treats! Cheezit is all business; she loves her job! Kahlua is so sweet and sensitive. True definition of misunderstood. She can be expressive sometimes under saddle, but she’s an amazing horse. Delilah is a giant love bug; all she wants to do is please! 

SE: What are their favorite treats?

BB: Gambino loves oatmeal cream pies and carrots the most, but will eat just about anything else! All the other ladies will eat just about any snack, haha!

SE: Oatmeal cream pies! Yes, please! :) So did you grow up dreaming about horses?

BB: I have loved horses since I could remember! I would watch Saddle Club and pretend I was Carol and play with my toy horses all day long. Eventually they made a Sims that had horses in it, and I could play and make barns for hours on end. 

SE: Haha, fun, I played horses when I was young, too. When did you start riding and how did you get started?

BB: I started riding 3 years ago as of December 2020. I always wanted to ride growing up, but couldn’t. So once I became an adult and simply had too much time on my hands, because I’m a busy bee and can never sit still, I looked up equestrian centers near me and High Standards Equestrian Center was the top of my list! I contacted the owner, April Salta, and have been riding since! She was my first, and one of my best trainers. We still are friends to this day, and I visit often. 

SE: What discipline(s) do you ride? What is it you love about it? 

BB: I am currently into eventing! I started out as a jumper, rode with some hunters, and then went straight dressage for about 6-7 months. I loved dressage so much and it’s challenges, but am a jump fanatic, so I said, “Why choose? Let’s event!” I love the freedom. I feel, personally, it’s the most well balanced and athletic discipline. You’re doing three different types of rides on one horse, and a good dressage foundation, balance, knowing strides, and good riding position are absolutely essential in eventing. There’s no way around it. You have to work super hard, and I love that challenge and goals it sets for me.

SE: Horsemanship is all about continuous improvement, so what pet peeves do you have about your discipline and how would you like it to change? 

BB: I personally don’t feel as if I’ve competed enough to have a full opinion of my current discipline, but overall-  patience. People tend to rush to these huge goals, push their horses and themselves too far, and crash. It’s supposed to be fun, not stressful! 

SE: I love that, “patience” and “fun”. We all totally need more of that! :) And I know for a fact you bring that fun to your riding look, too? So what is your riding look? Conservative or bring on the color? Tell us about your favorite style for you and your horse.

BB: I most definitely consider myself to be a equestrian fashion addict. I love matching, always. I feel as if I’m more of a modern day equestrian when it comes to my styling. I sometimes am in all black, browns and whites, then will pop out with hot pink breeches out of nowhere LOL. If it’s cute, fitting and comfortable, I’ll wear it. But we must always match, even if no one is watching.

SE: As a busy adult, fitting in rides can be complicated at best. What does your riding road map look like each week? 

BB: I work full time at an animal hospital, and also work at my barn! On my days off from the hospital, you can find me at the barn! Typically 3-4 times a week. I lesson with my trainer, Genevieve Andrews, on Sundays usually. Gambino is also half leased, so she gets 3 days all to herself as well! 

SE: What are three equestrian events you would just love to attend?

BB: I would love to go to Tryon, the Duke show here, and a Lainey Ashker clinic! I’m still so new, so I don’t know of too many events, haha. 

SE: What is one bucket list experience you would love to have with your horse?

BB: I would love to simply compete at Novice/Training level, [but] that’s a huge step away from where we are! And I also would love, and believe we can, get our bronze medal in dressage together! I’m giving us some years, but these are my bucket list items. I don’t want too much, I’m grateful to even be here. 

SE: What is your favorite Sterling Essentials fragrance?

BB: Eucalyptus, hands down! Thanks for having me!! I LOVE Sterling products, and am so happy to be apart of the team! 

It was a blast to catch up with Breezy and get a peak into her day and dreams! We wish her great joy with her eventing journey and invite you to keep up with her and her stylish fashion sense by following her on Instagram at @breexybby_.