Photo 140x140

Ariel GRALD

Ariel GRALD, American Jumping, Eventing athlete.
Name Ariel GRALD
FEI ID 10013432
Gender Female
Date of Birth 14/10/1988
Competing for United States of America - USA
Registrations Eventing 2025
Jumping 2021
Last update 07/06/2023
FEI Database



Eventing 70x70 Jumping 70x70
Sport Specific Information
When and where did you begin this sport? She began riding before she could walk. Her parents bought her a pony for Christmas at age four, and she took up eventing at age eight.
Why this sport? She grew up around horses, and her mother put her on a horse when she was very young. As a child, she moved with her family to a farm in New Hampshire, United States of America, where she looked after and rode horses.
Club / Team Ariel Grald Equestrian: Vass, NC, USA
Training Regime She rides around 10 horses a day. Her fitness regime includes pilates.
General Interest
Memorable sporting achievement Competing at the 2019 Burghley Horse Trials in England. (uset.org, 31 Oct 2019)
Most influential person in career Horse owner Annie Eldridge. (uset.org, 31 Oct 2019)
Sporting philosophy / motto "I'm self-motivated, I think I get that from my mum. You've got to go make it happen, and I've always been able to do that. I'm not afraid to put the work in." (uset.org, 31 Oct 2019)
Other information CAREER CHOICE After completing a degree in microbiology at the University of Vermont, she began working full-time in a research laboratory. However, after one year, in 2012 she decided to leave the job and move to Southern Pines, NC, United States of America, to pursue an equestrian career. "I didn't really enjoy it [the laboratory job] very much. I just wanted to ride. I thought, 'Well, I'm just going to find a way to make it work'. I'm a very independent person. I was ready to do whatever it took to make it happen at that point." She then began working for Annie Eldridge at Setters' Run Farm in Vass, NC, United States of America. "I was very, very lucky to meet Annie because it's amazing to work for her and ride for her. She made it all possible." (sidelinesmagazine.com, 01 Oct 2020; uset.org, 31 Oct 2019)
Further Personal Information
Residence Vass, NC, USA
Occupation Athlete, Horse Trainer
Languages English
Higher education Microbiology - University of Vermont: Burlington, VT, USA