“I have had the honor of coaching Reagan Gehm for the past 7 years. It was clear from my first lesson with Reagan that she was going to excel. Her desire to succeed, her determination and her passion for horses made it obvious that she was going to be an exceptional equestrian. I am truly blessed to share in her riding accomplishments but mostly in her transformation to the lovely lady she is today.
Reagan’s riding resume is quite impressive. Her successes and accomplishments are cataloged by beautiful ribbons and picture after picture of award-winning performances and championships from Short Stirrup to Equitation Finals. Quite impressive but just a minuscule part of the amazing person I see when I look at Reagan Gehm. She faces every challenge and defeat with the same attitude, confidence, and willingness to work. Her positive outlook and ability to adapt to different situations makes her loved and appreciated by not only her horses but all whom she interacts. Reagan is impressive as she steps into the show ring for a performance but most importantly how she conducts herself daily with the many challenges life brings.
I have no doubt that Reagan’s riding future will continue to thrive. Her style and grace are natural and inspiring, add her quiet determination and her future will have no boundaries. Reagan brings the best out in her horses and whomever she meets. I love working with Reagan and am looking forward to all the many wonderful things she will accomplish. Reagan will set the tone and raise the standards wherever she goes.”
~ Katana Kennedy O’Brien, Head Trainer
“I have enjoyed watching Reagan learn and grow as a rider. She is always asking questions on and off the horse to further her knowledge as a horse woman. Her tenacity to be the best truly shows in the barn. Not only does Reagan strive to be the best herself, but she is also a great sportsman by encouraging her fellow riders. I believe she would be a great asset to any team.”
~ Laura Slates, Trainer at KEE West Farm, Wildwood, MO & OSU Equestrian Alumni
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Reagan for the last 5 years. During this time, I’ve watched her develop in her riding, her character and her mindset. Reagan shows up to the barn ready to work hard, take care of her horses to the highest standard and help her teammates excel as well. Showing multiple horses in different divisions at rated competitions around the country requires her to be a master of time management and preparation. It also has required her to develop an understanding that some things are beyond our control in life, especially when it comes to horses. Reagan takes wins and losses with grace and maturity; she cheers for her teammates and sets an excellent example in sportsmanship for the younger riders. She steps right into hard work and is willing to put in the hours of training and focus necessary for an athlete to excel. I am confident that Reagan will be an excellent addition to any riding program. Her work ethic, dedication and talent make her a pleasure to work with and I feel fortunate to have had the chance to work with her during her junior career.”
~ Hillary Moore; Assistant Trainer at KEE West Farm, Wildwood, MO
“I have had the pleasure of working with Reagan Gehm as her Academic Advisor at Villa Duchesne since August 2021. Being a successful high school and collegiate athlete requires a strong work ethic, high level of responsibility, exceptional organizational skills, and passion and Reagan possesses all of those qualities. She does an incredible job balancing being a thriving student at a challenging college-preparatory high school and a competitive equestrian. Reagan is proactive and communicative informing her teachers of any upcoming absences due to equestrian competitions. She has high academic standards for herself and works very hard to ensure that competition travel does not affect her learning. I can always count on Reagan to advocate for herself, ensure her assignments are complete, and take her job as a learner seriously. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such a talented young woman!”
~ Kristi Morris; Academic Advisor, Villa Duchesne, St. Louis, MO
“This letter confirms Reagan Gehm’s support and volunteer experience with Saint Louis Public Schools’ Students-in-Transition. She is diligent, determined, highly motivated, studious, and consistently displays attributes of leadership and selflessness. Reagan is truly an asset to homeless and foster care students with unique needs within our school district.
In 2010, I had the privilege of meeting Reagan at four years of age through her mother. Throughout the District, staff, students and community partners seek ways to donate. Reagan decided at 4 years of age to give back to the population I serve (5,000+ homeless students) by donating all of her birthday gifts to our students at Christmas. She has donated and volunteered with our giveaways for 10+ years. Although Reagan is not a student at SLPS, she regularly supports and sometimes participates in our giveaways. I would often say to myself, “Wow! What an awesome young girl” because she was so young when she started out with this endeavor. Reagan continues to serve even as a teenager. She understands the need, work and rippling effects of how small endeavors impact others through giving and serving. She radiates passion, enthusiasm and integrity. Therefore, she comes highly recommended. She exudes determination, commitment, and serving others. Reagan would be an asset to any organization or institution.”
~ Dr. Deidra C. Thomas-Murray
“I have had the pleasure of teaching Reagan Gehm history twice in the past two years. In this time I have come to realize that she is a proactive, dedicated, and diligent student. Reagan has a strong grasp of history, converses well within the subject with both adults and students and is also quick to be of use to others who need assistance within the subject area.
History comes naturally to some while to others it is simply a topic that interests them. I believe that for Reagan, both of these are true. Her memory for historical events is second to none, but she also has a deep and abiding interest in history, historical figures, and the connections between the world of the past and the world of today.
Besides being a first-rate academic student, Reagan also has a deep and enduring love of horseback riding and competition. This has led to many successful medals and awards. However, more importantly, this time spent winning medals and such takes her away from the classroom sometimes. Yet, unlike many of her peers, Reagan always alerts me to an upcoming absence, she always inquiries about what she can complete in advance, and she always turns in work the moment that she returns. This exhibits elevated maturity as well as impeccable student skills as she always makes sure to prioritize her academics no matter how busy she is.”
~ Christopher Livingston; History Teacher, Villa Duchesne, St. Louis, MO