Meet Reilly Robertson: Competing at the Highest Level Without Leaving the Classroom Behind

Reilly Robertson is a competitive equestrian rider specializing in equitation and jumper events. She is a member of the US Performance Academy Class of 2029 and is currently taking a full honors course load — including Biology Honors, English Honors, and Spanish 3 Honors — while training and competing at horse shows across the country.

Reilly is driven, disciplined, and deeply passionate about her sport. She is the kind of student who starts her morning with a coaching call, puts in focused academic hours before heading to the barn, and still makes time for the people and moments that matter. Her education is built to match that commitment.

Equestrian competition at Reilly’s level means frequent travel, unpredictable show schedules, and long stretches away from home. A traditional school calendar — fixed class times, in-person attendance requirements, and rigid deadlines — made it nearly impossible to pursue both academics and riding at the level she wanted.

Something had to give. For most student-athletes in that position, it’s the sport. Reilly and her family were not willing to accept that.

Reilly’s family chose USPA because it offered the one thing a traditional school could not: a schedule that moved with her life, not against it.

“Our family chose USPA because of the flexibility it offers while still allowing her to receive a strong education,” her parents share. “Since she travels frequently for horseback riding and horse shows, having a flexible schedule is extremely important. USPA allows her to balance her education with her passion for riding while staying on track academically in challenging courses, including all honors classes.”

For Reilly, the flexibility is personal.

“USPA has been a great opportunity for me because it gives me the flexibility to focus on school while continuing to pursue my passion for horseback riding,” she says. “Riding is a huge part of my life, and I travel a lot for horse shows, so having a flexible schedule makes it much easier to balance my education with my goals outside of the classroom.”

She also points to something that makes the day-to-day smoother: direct access to her teachers through Pronto, USPA’s messaging platform.

“What I love about being a USPA student is how easy it is to contact my teachers by Pronto,” Reilly says. “It’s a simple way to reach out if you have a question with an assignment or need to adjust timing for a call.”

Reilly’s schedule is a blueprint for what it looks like when academics and athletic ambition share the same calendar — intentionally and without conflict.

• 8:00 AM: Call with her coach
• 8:30 AM: Biology Honors project
• 9:30 AM: English Honors assignment
• 11:00 AM: At the barn for lessons
• 3:00 PM: Time with friends
• 6:00 PM: Dinner with family
• 6:30 PM: Spanish 3 Honors assignment
• 7:30 PM: Free time

Mornings are for learning. Late mornings and afternoons are for the barn. Evenings circle back to academics — and there is still room for friends, family, and rest. That balance is not accidental. It’s the result of a schedule built around her priorities, not someone else’s.

Reilly is still early in her USPA journey, with graduation on the horizon in 2029. Her goals are clear: continue competing at the highest levels of equestrian sport, push herself academically through her honors coursework, and build the foundation for whatever comes next — in the saddle and beyond.

USPA is with her every step of the way, ensuring her transcript reflects the rigor of her coursework while her schedule reflects the demands of her sport.

Online learning isn’t just a trend—it’s a flexible, personalized approach to education that empowers students to thrive. At USPA, we provide:

• Flexibility to learn at your own pace and schedule
• Personalized support from experienced teachers and learning coaches
• Access to diverse courses that fit your interests and goals
• A safe, inclusive environment for every learner

If you’re looking for a school that adapts to your needs and helps you succeed, USPA might be the perfect fit.