Born: January 10, 1966
Residence: Encinitas, California
Horse: Summer (10-year-old Belgian mare; owned by Wild Turkey Farm)

Successful junior rider Mandy Porter and the 12-year-old, Summer, will make their first trip to the World Cup this year. Porter beat out co-team member Jill Humphrey in the jump-off of the $75,000 Footing Authority™ Grand Prix at HITS Thermal.

With a winning junior rider career on her resume, Porter moved to Europe for seven years to study and train among international show jumpers, and it was at a show in Donaueschingen, Germany, that she entered "the big leagues." She described the experience as a very fortunate one, but admits that, "it was challenging for me to leave my family, friends and language" behind her. Having returned home to her native California and the West Coast, she is quickly making a new name for herself.

In 2006, Porter placed first in the $50,000 Del Mar International GP World Cup Qualifier and first in the $35,000 Country Classic Grand Prix. Another win came in the $30,000 Golden State Grand Prix. She took the reserve title in the $100,000 Del Mar National Grand Prix and the $50,000 Ranch and Coast Grand Prix.

Her mount, owned by Wild Turkey Farm, won the Pacific Coast Grand Prix Horse of the Year in 2006, and is described by Porter as being "very much a mare…and a grey mare at that!" According to Porter, the horse also loves a big crowd, which comes in handy when competing in large venues with a noisy crowd.

Porter names her parents first as her biggest supporters and sources of strength, and her grandparents for their role in being involved with her learning to ride. In her spare time, Porter, who is single, enjoys taking her dog, Pete, to the beach, and hopes to "rediscover" her passion for water skiing.

Bio courtesy of USEF