Horse Industry’s Next Top Model- Carsyn Hodde
By: Brittany Bevis
Back in 2010, we had the opportunity to chat with our friend and AjPHA competitor-turned supermodel, Kate Upton, as she was just getting started in the modeling world, after being discovered by Trump Model Management in the airport on her way home from a horse show. Now, we have the opportunity to chat with another young model dipping her high heel into the world of fashion, 15-year-old Carsyn Hodde.
Carsyn, the daughter of Debbie and Randy Hodde, was born and raised in Brenham, TX. After participating in a photo shoot this past March for her mother’s clothing line, Winning Couture, one of the makeup artists suggested Carsyn might have the makings of a real model. A quick trip to Houston to visit the folks at the Neal Hamil Agency in July and a modeling camp later, and she was signed. She’s been working steadily ever since. “I’ve done many runway shows and editorial shoots with Runway Houston, Fashion HTX, and other shows around Houston,” Carsyn says. “I’ve been asked to walked for several designers, such as Travis Hamilton- for Negris Lebrum, M.E. Shirley, Alan Gonzales, and many more. The most exciting runway to date has been for my favorite designer, Christian Siriano. He won Project Runway Season 4 in 2007!”
While her foray into the modeling world has been quite sudden, Carsyn has been riding and showing horses for as long as she can remember. As a tiny tot, she competed in Leadline with her mother’s horse, Xlnt Edge, aka “Sledge.”
“I also did a little bit of pony jumping and some Barrel Racing,”‘ she says. “I finally settled on Hunter Under Saddle and Equitation. My first trip to the Quarter Horse Congress was with Sledge after only riding him for a week. I was Top 10 in both my Hunter Under Saddle classes and made the Top 20 in Equitation. After a while, I decided I would like to try hunters.”
In March 2014, Carsyn received her first horse, Rules Change, aka “Tyke,” who came with his own trainers, David Miller and Scott Jones of Showstring. “I went on to show him for two years and won the Congress in 13 and Under Hunter Hack in 2015. It’s one of my most treasured memories to date. He’s definitely my favorite horse ever. Now, he’s living the good life, teaching beginner riders the basics in a local friend’s lesson program.”
When Carysn isn’t in the AQHA show pen, she can be found competing with show pigs at the county and regional level. “My dad is my support system with the pigs,” she says. “He helps me feed them and train them for the majors and county shows. I’ve had many accomplishments in the pig show world also. I had a great 2016, winning Overall Grand Champion at the Fort Worth Stock Show with my barrow “22” and placing at every other major before competing at our local country fair where I was blessed to be named Grand Champion. Without my parents, I wouldn’t be able to do any of the things I do!”
It’s clear this young beauty has her priorities straight, approaching this new chapter in her life with maturity, grace, and a set of clearly-defined goals for the future. This past week, Carsyn was invited to attend the International Modeling and Talent Agency Convention and Competition.
“I would like to walk for a top international designer,” she says. “I’m hoping my modeling career will take off after attending IMTA, and I’m beyond excited to see where and how far it takes me! I would like to walk for Christian Siriano again, and I would love to work for Ralph Lauren and Tom Ford!”
“I’m hopeful I might get the opportunity to sign with an agency in New York, Los Angeles, or even an international agency! This year, I hope to advance my knowledge in the modeling world, meet new people, learn new things, be working all the time, and of course have fun!”
Because of her height, the 5.11″, blue-eyed, blonde explains she’s best suited for the runway, which she thoroughly enjoys. However, she’d love to do commercial print campaigns and even high fashion in the future.
“Something that I think people would find surprising is that modeling isn’t all fun and games. It takes hard work, practice, and preparation. Also, it takes lots of time and money to help further your career. Another thing is there is a lot of rejection! But, like in the horse world, ‘It’s just one judge’s opinion.’ It’s the same in modeling; ‘It’s just one agent’s opinion.’ There are so many agents and clients looking for a certain type. One may not like you, but another will!
In fact, Carsyn sees other similarities between the horse show world and the modeling industry. “In both, you have to practice a lot! You can’t just show up and expect to do well. If you haven’t put in the time and effort, it will show. With horses, you have to practice becoming one with your horse. With modeling, you have to be comfortable in front of a camera and lots of people. I have spent hours practicing my walk. Photo posing is also key to being successful in the industry. You meet and associate with a lot of different people in both worlds. You never know who you’re going to meet.”
Someone Carsyn might like to meet someday is English model and fellow equestrian, Edie Campbell. In addition to appearing on the cover of British Vogue, twice, she’s also modeled for Chanel, Burberry and Hermes. She’s also a jockey and competes dressage, show jumping, and cross country. “She’s my favorite, because I can relate to her. She rides horses and manages a very busy life, like I do!”
Carsyn is still showing horses, but she took a little break over the summer to focus on her modeling career. Now, she’s interested in getting into Cutting. “I was able to spend some time with friends who introduced me to Cutting. I was hooked from the start. We’re in the process of selling our current show horses so we can find a cutter and travel that path. Until then, I will be back in the show pen soon showing the hunters, Hunter Under Saddle, and maybe even Showmanship.
“I would like to encourage everyone to follow the path that’s put in front of them, no matter how scary it seems. I never dreamed this is what I would be doing. If it wasn’t for my God given attributes, and my parents’ support on so many levels, I wouldn’t be who I am today!”
