How Horses, Service, and Friendship Led Harper Padgett to JustWorld
Harper Padgett competes in eventing aboard horses like Cooley Starship, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding. Photo by Courtney Drake Photography.
If you attended any JustWorld events during the 2025 winter circuit in Wellington, Florida, chances are you crossed paths with eventer Harper Padgett—one of JustWorld’s newest and most passionate Ambassadors. A lifelong equestrian, Harper, 17, was introduced to JustWorld by fellow Ambassador and Foxcroft School (Virginia) roommate, Valeska Furlong.
Curious to learn more, Harper began tagging along to events while based in Wellington, where she has spent the past four winters training and competing with Olympic eventer Phillip Dutton. She quickly connected with JustWorld’s mission and was eager to get involved.
In the Q&A below, Harper shares her lifelong love of horses, growing dedication to philanthropy, and the invaluable lessons she’s learned along the way.
Where did you grow up, and how did you first get involved with horses?
I grew up in Seattle, Washington. My mom is from New Zealand, and she grew up riding horses there. I showed interest [in riding] as a little kid, and [my mom] got back into it when I started riding, when I was about six or seven. Ever since then, I’ve loved horses. I grew up in eventing, so I still do that now.
What was it about eventing that captured your attention as a kid?
I just loved the cross-country. I loved the grit it takes. It’s really hands-on with all the horse care. I grew up in Pony Club and loved caring for my ponies and being really involved, and that is big in eventing. I just loved doing that and growing up in that environment.
Harper Padgett and Cooley Copresenter, a 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, competing at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida. Photo by Sportfot.
You spend the winter training in Wellington, which isn’t traditionally known for eventing. How has that shaped your training?
I ride with Phillip Dutton, and he has a farm in Wellington. So, I base out of there, and then we drive to Ocala, where a lot of the shows are. I also get to practice with a jumper barn when I’m in Wellington, and I’ve found that really valuable. In Wellington, we really love it because we’re able to focus on the dressage and the show jumping. There are a couple places that have some cross-country where we practice, so we definitely utilize that a lot, and then just drive up to Ocala for the shows.
I have three horses now. Captive, who I was on the two-star North American Youth Championships team with and have done some three-stars with. I have a younger one, Cooley Starship, that I was on the one-star NAYC team with, and that I have competed through the intermediate level. And Cooley Copresenter, one that I have also done intermediates on, but have also done some jumpers at WEF with this past year.
What’s it like training with Phillip Dutton, and how did that opportunity arise?
I started when I was 13. I was still on the West Coast, and I met him at one of the shows in California—I did a clinic with him. He said that I should try and come to Florida in the winter, and I took the opportunity and wanted to really make it work.
It’s such an educational program. He’s done so much; just being a part of it, watching, learning, and being surrounded by it has really encouraged me to be determined and chase my goals. Learning how he operates—how his program works—has been amazing. I think it’s really helped my riding and definitely shaped who I am as a rider now, and the way I do things.
At the 2023 North American Youth Championships, Harper Padgett earned team gold in the CCI1*, team silver in the CCI2*, and individual silver in the CCI2* division. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.
Of the three eventing phases, which is your favorite—and which is your least favorite?
Cross-country is definitely my favorite. Dressage—I really have to make sure I focus on that a bit. I feel like for all eventers, that’s a bit of the case—they all love cross-country and seem to forget about the dressage and show jumping. That’s why Wellington has been really great, because I get to really focus on those two aspects individually.
What are your long-term riding goals?
I definitely want to go all the way. I’m hoping to do a Nations Cup at some point and, hopefully, some Pan American Games. I mean, the dream is obviously the Olympics, so I’d love to keep pursuing riding for sure. This year, I moved to the East Coast to be in more of a full training program and [to be closer to] the competitions here, so I’ve done that to kind of nurture my goals a bit.
You’re entering your senior year at Foxcroft. Talk about the journey of balancing school and riding.
I do [school] online part of the year to really be able to focus on riding. It definitely takes a lot of dedication. You have to really want to succeed in both. I think it’s hard not to get distracted by the riding and really focus on it, but I have to bring myself back to having school as a goal as well. I kind of use school and riding as a break from one another, and finding a balance in that, I’ve found really helpful.
How did you first get involved with JustWorld?
When I roomed with Valeska this year, she told me about it, and I thought it was something I really wanted to pursue as well. I was really interested in it. I took the opportunity in Florida to follow her to the events and get involved.
Equestrians Harper Padgett (right) and Valeska Furlong went from roommates to JustWorld Ambassadors, united by their shared passion for horses and giving back. Photo courtesy of Valeska Furlong.
What was it about JustWorld that made you want to stay involved?
Definitely seeing how invested people were. People were there because they wanted to be there—they wanted to help. It’s something you could tell they were really passionate about. The community inspires me to be passionate about it and share the same drive to help and do anything I can to be a part of it.
What was your favorite JustWorld event this year?
The Storybook Treasures book-packing event. We got to hear from the founder [Denise Corbo], and it was really inspirational. Just hearing about her journey and how she turned goals she thought weren’t possible into a reality—it was just really inspiring for people who were there to try and get involved as well and chase their dreams, to help people, and get into service if they’re passionate about it.
What was your relationship with philanthropy before joining JustWorld?
I’ve done lots of volunteering at a therapeutic riding center in Seattle. I’ve been doing that for the past few summers, and I really love it. I’ve also done a lot of tutoring at elementary schools this year, which has grown my passion for working with organizations that promote childhood education, just like JustWorld.
I’m the head of the service committee at my school this year—I was elected. I love being in positions that [allow me to] organize fundraising events and book-packing events.
Why would you recommend JustWorld to other equestrians who want to give back?
JustWorld is so unique. I’ve never experienced an organization that focuses on the equestrian community, which is such a big part of my life. Combining the two things I love, which are service and horses, is a really unique opportunity.
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JustWorld International
Established in 2003, JustWorld International was created to connect equestrians with a direct way to help fracture the cycle of poverty through education, healthcare, and nutrition programs for children around the world. Ambassadors from more than forty countries have since committed to “Ride for the Cause” and transform the lives of children through equestrian sport. Envisioning a more just world, the nonprofit organization cultivates strategic, project partnerships in a collaborative approach to impact the lives of nearly 10,000 children around the globe on a daily basis.
To donate, become an Ambassador, or learn more about JustWorld, please visit www.justworldinternational.org or @justworldinternational on Facebook and Instagram.
JustWorld International is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in the United States and tax-deductible donations are accepted in the United States. JustWorld International has no political or religious affiliation.
