What do you do when you love equestrian sports but life takes you in a different direction? Tara Bratton, a longtime USET Foundation supporter explains.
Tara Bratton knows how important it is to support what you believe in. And Tara believes wholeheartedly in the U.S. Equestrian Team.
Born and raised in Michigan, Tara discovered her love for horses at summer camp. “After that, I convinced my parents to buy me a horse,” she chuckles. She ended up with a bay off-the-track Thoroughbred named Cool Customer, or ‘Jock,’ for short.
“He was the love of my life at the time,” says Tara. The duo spent their time training and competing in hunter/jumper shows all across the Midwest, showing off their skills and their great partnership. “We had a lot of fun.”
But eventually, college came calling and Tara decided she had to put her love of horses on hold for a bit. Jock remained part of the family, though — he spent the last 15 years of his life happily retired to pasture, always ready for Tara to return and give him scratches and treats.
In the end, Tara didn’t pursue an equestrian career – she became an attorney. But she’s kept alive her love for “all things horses” by believing in and following the U.S. Equestrian Team and all the dedicated and talented athletes who work to keep your Team in the chase for gold.
Tara stands behind the U.S. team in all eight disciplines of High Performance equestrian sport, but loves show jumping and dressage best. “I’m also really interested in the Paralympics,” she says.
“The reason I give to the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation is because I want America to continue to have a strong presence in the international arena,” explains Tara. She’s been helping keep the team strong through her donations for over 30 years.
And Tara feels connected and invested in the success of the Team. “I’m very proud of our U.S. equestrians,” says Tara. “At the end of the day, I want to support them.”
To Tara — and to all the other horse lovers in the world who support the Team — we thank you! Your support is critical to the continuing success of the U.S. Equestrian Team. END
