Parker Hendriks, a Cochranville native who was born into a family of jockeys, riders, and trainers, is the region’s newest teen riding sensation, writes Eileen Smith Dallabrida for The Hunt. 

Last year, a day before his 19th birthday, Hendriks locked up his first championship after only three years on the National Steeplechase Association circuit. 

“I got hooked on racing when I was 13 and rode in pony races,” he said. “I’m doing what I’ve always wanted to do.” 

And it is no wonder the young rider has an affinity for the sport. His family has been competing in the saddle since 1875. His late grandfather, Louis “Paddy” Neilson was a standard bearer for the family as a legendary jockey and trainer. His father is also a champion jump rider and a successful trainer, as are his mother, Sanna Neilson, and his aunt Katherine Neilson. 

Juggling school and his career took a lot of discipline. He would ride out early in the morning in Maryland and then take a 50-minute drive to Westtown School in West Chester before going home to his mother’s farm in Cochranville. 

“Parker is laser-focused,” said his mother. 

Read more about Parker Hendriks in The Hunt. 

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