Braden Speck is an amateur young rider from Kennett Square, PA, preparing to compete at the 2026 Defender Kentucky Three Day CCI5* with his Connemara-cross gelding, BSF Liam. Despite losing three horses in two years early in his career, Braden’s perseverance and steady partnership with Liam, who he acquired in 2019, have been key to their success. Unlike many professional riders, Braden has taken a patient approach, spending multiple years at each level to build confidence and strength, which has resulted in consistent performances and no FEI cross country jumping penalties to date.

Alongside his riding ambitions, Braden is pursuing a veterinary medicine career, inspired by his experiences with his horses’ health challenges. After Liam’s successful surgery and rehabilitation from a stifle injury in 2025, Braden recalibrated his goals but remained focused on competing at the highest level. With solid performances leading up to the event, Braden aims to complete his first CCI5* at Kentucky with a clean cross country round, balancing his passion for eventing with his future in veterinary medicine.