Young equestrian athlete loves her sport

Brooke Mancusi is a 16-year-old student at Balmoral Hall School, where her favourite class is math.

"I have a great teacher in Mr. Solinsky," Brooke says. "With my schedule, sometimes I have to spend time away from class, Mr. Solinsky will post a video so I can watch and learn what is needed."

Taking in information and learning what is needed is a strength for Brooke, who is an honour roll student.

The level of commitment Brooke shows with her studies also applies to her chosen sport — she is an equestrian athlete.

"I started riding when I was nine years old. I first started at a summer camp. I really liked the connection with the horse. Learning the different styles of riding was challenging and fun," Brooke says.

Brooke has three horses and dearly loves each one of them.

"Daneo is my first real horse and I have had him for five years. We have a wonderful connection. He’s not a real big horse but he acts like a stallion, deep down he’s super sweet," she says. "I have had Extravaganza for a couple of years. I went to the Netherlands to pick her. She is nice to everyone, and she always tries her heart out.

"I have had Wellknown for about seven months. He is a little spooky but super smart. He is really well-trained and because of this he teaches me a lot."

The connection between horse and rider is often very special and this is the case for Brooke.

"Once you have a horse, the connection is so strong. You love them so much. You are partners with them."

In early August, Brooke and Wellknown participated in the North American Youth Championships in the junior team dressage competition. She was the only Manitoban on Team Manitoba/Ontario.

"Our team won the bronze medal. We did really well for our first time in the competition," she says.
Brooke lives in Armstrong Point with her mom Jillian and dad Sal. She is very thankful to her parents and her grandparents for being able to compete in the sport she loves.

 "I so want to thank them for all of their support. My parents and grandparents mean so much to me. Without all of their love and help none of this would be possible. Thank you."

Former Winnipeg Blue Bombers kicker Troy Westwood is co-host of The Big Show, every weekday morning from 6 to 10 a.m. on TSN 1290 radio. He writes about Winnipeg’s unsung sports heroes every other week in the Canstar Community News weeklies. If you know of an athlete whose story Troy should tell, contact him at: troy.westwood@bellmedia.ca