Elle
Russell

My name is Elle Russell, and I’m a sophomore at Peaster High School in Peaster, Texas. I’ve been riding for eight years and competing for seven. I started in reining, explored ranch versatility for two years, but ultimately found my heart was still in the reining pen.

 

I currently train with Josh Tishman and Jack Berggren. In 2023, we purchased my current derby horse, Zeke, as a 3-year-old. I set a personal goal to not only ride a young horse, but to truly develop one—building trust, applying corrections, and learning to communicate with clarity and patience. Bringing Zeke along has made me a more confident and thoughtful rider. It’s taught me how to adjust in real-time, problem-solve under pressure, and celebrate small wins that lay the groundwork for long-term success.

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To support my goals, I work at Tishman Ranch grooming and doing barn work, gaining hands-on experience in daily horse care and stable management while helping to cover expenses. This has taught me responsibility, attention to detail, and what it takes to keep horses performing at their best. I hope to one day work in the equine industry, specializing in reproduction or rehabilitation—areas I’m passionate about because of the connection between care, performance, and long-term soundness.

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These experiences have prepared me well for a collegiate equestrian team. I understand the importance of being a reliable teammate, a coachable rider, and a consistent competitor—someone who shows up ready to put the team first.

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I learned a lot of these lessons from my dad, Jason Russell—my biggest inspiration and role model. He played as an offensive lineman for Oklahoma State from 1998–2002. He was a four-year letter winner, three-year starter, and team captain. He passed away from leukemia in February of 2024, and this past year has been extremely difficult without him but I’ve leaned on my faith, my family, and the sport of reining to keep moving forward. My dad instilled in me values I carry into every aspect of life: humility, discipline, work ethic, and the importance of being coachable. Win or lose, I strive to honor his legacy with a positive attitude and strong character. It is through this struggle that has allowed me to see my resilience and reliance on God.

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Outside of the arena, I played JV basketball, which taught me what it means to be a competitor and a team player. I’m also involved in FFA through the Veterinary Science pathway and competed on the horse judging team. I volunteer in my church’s children’s ministry and help with the Exceptional Rodeo for special needs. While balancing these commitments and showing, I maintain a 3.8 GPA.