Filipino Pride, Rising Equestrian

LITITZ, Pennsylvania — At just 12 years old, Alyssa Jones is already carving out a remarkable path in the world of equestrian sport, defined by discipline, achievement, and a strong sense of identity rooted in her Filipino heritage.

Although her family is based in Maryland, she attends boarding school at Linden Hall School for Girls in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Born on October 28, 2013, Alyssa carries a rich cultural legacy from Pampanga in the Philippines that shapes her perseverance, humility, and strong work ethic.

Her Filipino roots trace back to her grandfather, Lolo Eduardo Masil of San Fernando, Pampanga. Her connection to her heritage is nurtured through family, traditions, and food, as she enjoys adobo, pancit, and lumpia. Her father, Eric Jones, who is half Filipino, has instilled pride in her background, while her mother, Angela (Nicole) Jones, plays a key role in supporting her training and guiding her journey. Alyssa is also inspired by her maternal grandmother, Jeanne Frey, who rode horses at a young age.

Alyssa’s love for horses was never a passing interest, it was a calling. After years of asking, she began riding at age nine and said, “Thank you, I have found my passion.”

Since then, she has never missed a lesson, showing remarkable dedication through all conditions.

At Linden Hall, Alyssa trains with coach Rachel Grice and Riding Director Erika Kurtz.

She has built a strong and trusting partnership with her horse, Buckey, grounded in consistency and care. Erika Kurtz notes, “She is very attentive, and pays attention to the horse, and really listens when she gets her instruction and tries to make changes to her technique to help her to be a better rider, and that's an awesome trait at such a young age to start riding.”

Her impact is also felt within the school community. Dr. Shauna Carter, Head of School at Linden Hall, shares, “Alyssa as a sixth-grade equestrian student at Linden Hall is an inspiration to other middle schoolers with her energy, bravery and courage. She is also a favorite little sister to our upper schoolers.”

Her hard work is already paying off. Competing in the Junior Equitation League and the Interscholastic Equestrian Association, she has earned multiple ribbons, High Point Rider honors, fourth place in her first Hunter Derby, and second place in an IEA competition, one of her most memorable achievements.

Beyond the arena, Alyssa is an honor student at Linden Hall, the oldest boarding school for girls in the United States, known for its rigorous academics. She balances school and sport with discipline and focus, while staying active in the summer through her community dive team, yoga, and recreational tennis. Her older sister, Melaina, shares the same work ethic, pursuing competitive dance with equal dedication.

Alyssa Jones represents a generation of Filipino-American youth embracing their heritage while striving for excellence. With focus, determination, and quiet confidence, her journey is only just beginning, as she continues to emerge as a rising star in the equestrian world.