Newton Senior Alexis Kephart has signed a letter of intent to join the Midway University Western Equestrian team. Midway University is in Midway Kentucky, approximately 25 miles from Lexington, and has two riding teams that compete in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association. In addition to the Western Equestrian team, there’s a Hunt Seat Team.

Kephart says she has been around horses and riding since she was nine years old, and got her first horse for 4-H. She was emotional at her signing, saying she was overwhelmed.

“I was always told I wasn’t going to get anywhere with horses. My mom said they have an equine team and asked if I wanted to sign the papers. I didn’t think I would get it. Just being able to get on a Division I team where they are actually fine with me representing them, it’s just amazing to think horses got me this far.”

Kephart says her ultimate goal is to become an Equine Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes in thoroughbreds. Her parents Emina and Steven joined her at the signing.