Sweet Briar College sophomore Makayla Benjamin is one of three riders who will represent Team USA in Germany at the World University Equestrian Federation World Finals (AIEC).

The competition will span Dec. 29 to Jan. 1, during which 15 countries will compete.

“I feel very honored to be selected to represent both Sweet Briar College and Team USA on this international scale,” Benjamin said in a news release. “I hope to represent well and continue improving my riding while I am there.”

Team selection is based on the rider’s performance at Student Rider Nations Cup competitions throughout the year. At one point during the year, Benjamin was able to go to Sweden for one of the competitions.

“Luckily I competed well and was selected as one of the top three riders on the team to represent [the United States] at the world final,” said Benjamin, of Leesburg.

Mimi Wroten, director of riding at Sweet Briar, describes Benjamin as “dedicated, hardworking, and a talented rider.” She believes that these qualities as well as Benjamin’s determination and attention to detail will take her far in the competition.

“I am extremely proud of Makayla and thrilled that she has been given this opportunity,” Wroten said in the release. “She will be a great representative of both Sweet Briar and the United States of America.”

Benjamin said that the AIEC has been very supportive and has made her feel welcome since the first competition. She has also expressed her thanks for how supportive Sweet Briar is and for “pushing her to be better every day.”