When did you first start riding, and what initially drew you to horses?

I first rode a horse the summer of 2014 at a birthday party, and I fell in love with the sport. I started doing summer camps at that barn until 2020, when they had to shut down for COVID. The owners ended up moving to Florida so I moved to my current barn, where I take lessons and compete. I’m also so grateful that my trainer gave my horse to me, as it’s been one of my biggest dreams my whole life. 

Was competitive riding always the goal, or did it evolve?

It was always in the back of my mind, and when my trainer told me that she wanted me to be on the team because she thinks I’m a good rider, I knew I should try it.

What discipline do you compete in (hunter, jumper, dressage, eventing, etc.), and why that one?

I compete in hunters because it’s more focused on equitation, which is your posture, and how you make your horse look. But my barn is a hunter jumper. I train in both aspects, but my horse doesn’t always like going fast, which is jumpers, so she’s better with hunters.

How many hours a week did you spend at the barn?

I normally spend around 12 hours at the barn each week, but it normally fluctuates. I have four practices a week.

What sacrifices have you had to make socially or academically?

I’ve had to sacrifice a lot of studying time because on nights I have practice, I leave when I get home from school, and I don’t get home until 9 or 9:30. I’ve also had to give up a lot of time hanging out with my friends, especially on show weekends, because we have practice on Friday night, so I’ve missed a lot of football games and then some.

What’s the most mentally challenging part of competing?

The most mentally challenging part of competing is probably just watching the other riders and seeing how amazing they look, and it’s easy to get in your own head and think you are not a good rider. Confidence is a big thing in this sport because you’re jumping a 1,000 pound to 2,000 pound animal over two-feet to three-feet jumps, so if you start to get in your head, it’s easy to lose confidence. 

Have you ever had a fall or injury? How did it affect you mentally?

Yes, in riding, you’ll fall off a lot, but the best thing you can do for your confidence is get back on and correct your mistakes. My worst fall was when I landed on my shoulder and dislocated it, and my horse started running around. My shoulder was stuck above the socket, so honestly I just grabbed my shoulder and pulled it down. It was painful, but better than just leaving it. I didn’t tell my coach at that moment, and I got back on my horse and finished the practice. It started hurting more that weekend, so I went and got X-rays and MRIs done. It honestly showed me my strength and that I can do more than I think I can. 

How would you describe your relationship with your horse?

I feel like I have a great relationship with my horse. She always starts neighing when I start to walk over to her—something she doesn’t do with other people, and she has a big personality. She loves to play and spend time together. 

What’s something people don’t understand about bonding with a horse?

Something people don’t understand is the fact that you’re having a whole conversation with an animal without speaking a word. Horses read your body language and feel your feelings. Also that bond strengthens your connection while you’re in the saddle, which allows your horse to trust you more and perform their best for you. 

What goes through your mind right before your round starts?

I really focus on my course and make sure that I completely know it. I also think about where I want to put my horse in the arena so that I can make the round the cleanest and nicest it can be. 

What has been your proudest moment in competition?

I have two proudest moments. One would be jumping three feet, six inches on a horse, and it was the best feeling ever. The other moment would be last year when I qualified for Regionals through IEA (Interscholastic Equestrian Association), and then I ended up getting fourth at Regionals. 

What life skills has riding taught you?

Riding has taught me determination because my horse is pretty stubborn at times. It has also taught me time management, as there is a lot to do at the barn, and I don’t always have a ton of time to do it. Riding has also taught me to be able to make quick and efficient decisions because you’re always having to change things when you’re doing a course. Riding has greatly shaped who I am outside the barn because I have more leadership skills, more confidence, and I’ve made great friends through the sport. 

Do you see riding as part of your future, or something you’ll leave behind after high school?

I’m hoping to be able to continue with riding, and I’m thinking about trying out for the equestrian team at the college I’m going to. My coach has already reassured me that I’m welcome to come back and see my horse and ride while I’m in college, but I will definitely miss being there throughout the week.