SIDELINESDIGITAL | July/August 2026
For Mira Korber, horses have always been more than
a passion, they’ve shaped every step of her journey. A
lifelong equestrian, Mira grew up riding in Maryland
before earning a degree from Yale and beginning a
career in investment banking. While the high-stakes
environment appealed to her, she quickly realized life
behind a desk wasn’t where she wanted to be. Instead,
she found a way to combine her love of horses with a
passion for educating and supporting young riders by
founding Blue Ribbon Scholars in 2019.
What began as a program helping students stay on
track academically while competing in Ocala has
grown into a team of educators supporting equestrians
across the country. Now based in Ocala, Florida, Mira
continues to pursue her own goals in the jumper ring
while leading Blue Ribbon Scholars, giving students the
flexibility to excel both in the classroom and in the show
ring through personalized educational support.
How did you first get involved with horses?
I was a little over a year old when I had a pony
ride on Barney. From that point on, I think I
wore my parents down until they signed me
up for riding lessons when I was 3, and things
spiraled from there.
What were your early years with horses like?
I have great memories of growing up in
Baltimore County, Maryland, taking lessons
at Tack n’ Trot riding academy. The Merryman
family was influential in nurturing my love of
horses, and they had ponies of every size—from
nine hands on up. My friends and I would
often get on these ponies bareback with their
little bridles and ride them around the farm
until they inevitably dumped us and ran back
to the barn.
What special people or horses
have helped you along the way?
My family has always supported my passion to
the greatest extent they could. It’s hard to pick
just a handful of people because I genuinely
believe that each of my trainers has taught me
something different and useful. I rode with Kevin
Babington in high school, and he has always been
someone I can call when I need help, even today. I
can always trust him to be both honest and kind.
I have not had the privilege to ride all that
many horses over the years, but similarly I have
learned something from each of them. My mare,
Patent Pending 3E, has been an incredible
partner for the last 11 years. We’ve won many
classes together, and my life has changed a lot
in the time I’ve owned her. But she has been a
constant presence and is just so reliable.
MIRA
KORBER
Empowering Student-Athletes
With Blue Ribbon Scholars
Blue Ribbon Scholars Founder Mira Korber