Bio

Karl Cook graduated from Menlo School in Atherton, CA in June '09. He is a world-class champion junior equestrian after riding just nine years, starting at age 8. He will be attending the University of Santa Clara this fall in Santa Clara, CA.

At 17, he has already won the $50,000 World Cup class at the Oaks Horse Show and was the Top Junior Rider in California in 2007 and 2008. Other equestrian show jumping accomplishments include:

• Team Gold and Individual Gold Medal, 2007 North American Young Riders Championship
• Team Gold and Individual Silver Medal, 2008 North American Young Riders Championship
• Team Gold and Individual Silver Medal, 2007 National Junior Jumper Championship, Harrisburg, CA
• Pacific Coast Horseman's Association Junior Jumper Rider of the Year, 2007, 2008
• USEF Zone 10 Junior Jumper Leading Rider, 2007, 2008
• Spruce Meadows 1.4M Final Four - 2006, 2007, 2008

Karl attributes his success to his trainer's training him the right way, his parents supporting him, and luck. Karl's trainers are Butch, Lu and Guy Thomas (Guy is the son of Butch and Lu) and he keeps his horses at the Woodside Horse Park in Woodside, CA. Karl loves "the intangible connection I get with the horse when I land off the last fence and I know both the horse and I put out a really good effort. I love that feeling I have that I have done something well."

Karl's senior project involved leading a team of 4 other boys to design and build a 3 story treehouse. Karl is an avid wildlife and landscape photographer and has attended two workshops with Franz Lanting in Santa Cruz, CA.