Growing up in southwestern Virginia, it was Austin’s Skeens mother, Heather, who introduced him to horses before he could walk. Beginning formal lessons at 5 years old, Austin began riding in the hunter/jumper scene before transitioning to eventing at the age of 10. In high school, Austin met Paul Ebersole of Bluemont, Virginia, and began to learn the basics of competitive eventing.

With Paul’s guidance, Austin completed his first FEI competitions throughout high school. Before college, he was named to USEF’s Under 18 Emerging Athletes List. Upon graduation from Randolph-Macon College with a business administration degree, Austin moved to Pennsylvania where he began his professional career working for US Olympian Caroline Pamucku.

In 2024, Austin moved back to northern Virginia where he set the foundations of his own freelance riding venture, serving clients in Clarke, Fauquier, and Loudoun Counties. An A-Certified United States Pony Club graduate, Austin exercised race horses and continued to produce his own horse, HSH Bangarang, through the intermediate level of eventing, while continuing his training with Paul. After meeting Molly in 2025, Austin enthusiastically joined the Mount Jett Stud team with ambition to front the business’ sport horse program.

United States Pony Club A-Level Certification

2018 Area II Preliminary Champion - Rocmaster

2019 USEF E18 Emerging Athlete

2021 The Fork CCI* 1st Place - What Gives

2021 Virginia Horse Trials CCI* 4th Place - What Gives

2021 TIP Modified/CCI* National Champion - What Gives

2021 Modified/CCI* Reserve National Champion - What Gives

2022 USEA Intercollegiate Team National Championship, 3rd Place - What Gives

2025 Morven Park CCI**S, 25th/62 - HSH Bangarang

2026 Virginia Horse Center Eventing CCI**L, 6th Place - HSH Bangarang