Lily Epstein ‘27: Finding Success in the Saddle and Beyond
For Lily Epstein ‘27, success isn’t about choosing between academic excellence and pursuing what she loves. It’s about having the opportunity to do both.
An accomplished equestrian competing on the international stage, Lily won team gold in equestrian jumping at the North American Youth Championships last year and was selected to represent the United States at the Youth Nations Cup in Belgium. For someone who first discovered horseback riding at age three during a camp in Park City, Utah, those milestones represent years of dedication and a special partnership with her horse, Anton.
“Those were two of the most special and meaningful moments of my life,” Lily shared, reflecting on the hard work and support from her family and trainers that made those experiences possible.
But Lily’s story extends far beyond the arena.
A Gulliver student since kindergarten, Lily has grown up in an environment where pursuing one passion doesn’t mean setting aside another. Today, she balances a demanding equestrian schedule with rigorous IB coursework, serves as Arts and Leisure editor in Advanced Multimedia News Production, and participates in the Jewish Student Union (JSU). Journalism has become a particular interest, giving her an opportunity to develop her voice and explore a different side of herself.
That breadth of opportunity matters, especially when competing internationally means training four to five days a week and frequently traveling during the school year. With the support of her teachers, Lily has learned to communicate proactively, stay ahead of assignments, and take ownership of her education.
“Gulliver has been very accommodating to me when I leave for periods of time to ride,” she said.
The lessons she has developed in the classroom have become just as valuable in competition. Learning to navigate challenges, manage pressure, and adapt when things don’t go as planned has strengthened her confidence both as a student and as an equestrian.
“School has taught me how to manage pressure, learn from mistakes, and keep working even when something is challenging,” Lily explained. “Those lessons are really similar to riding because not every competition or training lesson goes the way you want it to.”
Having spent more than a decade at Gulliver, Lily also values the friendships she has maintained since kindergarten and the teachers who have encouraged her to challenge herself. Those relationships have helped her become more independent while giving her the confidence to pursue opportunities beyond what she once imagined.
Perhaps most telling is how Lily’s understanding of success has evolved.
“I used to think success was mostly about results, like getting a certain grade or placing well at a competition,” she reflected. “Now I think it’s more about knowing that I worked hard, improved, and gave myself the best chance to succeed.”
As Lily prepares for college, she looks forward to exploring new academic interests while continuing to compete at a high level. Her journey demonstrates what becomes possible when students are challenged academically and supported in pursuing their individual ambitions. At Gulliver, there is no single path students must follow. For Lily, that freedom has meant growing as a scholar, discovering a passion for journalism, and representing her country on the international stage, all while developing the confidence to determine what comes next.
