University High School junior Catherine Walz has been named one of the five recipients of the 2025 YETI Green Leaders Scholarship, presented by Green Is the New Blue in partnership with the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA). This national recognition honors equestrian students who are making a real difference in advancing sustainability in their sport and communities.
Catherine has been riding for nine years and competes with the Zionsville Equestrian Team, where she also serves as Show Manager. She has been a member of Sierra Woods Farm for six years and owns her horse, Rio, whom she has trained and shown for just over a year.
Her sustainability efforts include introducing fly stoppers at her barn, bringing local food trucks and reusable water bottle filling stations to shows, and launching a swap shop for clothing items within her IEA team. This creative initiative has reduced waste and encouraged teammates to think differently about the environmental impact of the sport.
Catherine’s leadership and vision stood out among applicants nationwide, and we are thrilled to see her recognized for combining her love of riding with her passion for protecting the environment. Congratulations, Catherine, on this outstanding achievement!