Equestrianism

practice elapsed before my trainer set up cross rail courses and the activity seemed as if it was second nature to me. My cross rail courses turned into two feet and with that adaptation, I entered my first competition. Following several years of dominating beginner competitions, my trainer realized I was too advanced for my current two-foot course. She adjusted the hurdles to three feet and once again, the butterflies returned. I told myself, “It is just one more foot, you can do it.” With that thought, I drew all the confidence that I had within me and attempted the first jump. “Perfect!” yelled my trainer as adrenaline soared through my body. Not a day goes by where my mind is not constantly flooded with thoughts of horseback riding. Equestrianism has had such a profound effect on my life and it is a monumental part of who I am today. As an equestrian with a history of ill-natured trainers, I have developed a sense of self-reliance within me. This self-reliance has produced a role model for young women to reach out to when they need guidance during riding lessons. While this aspect of horseback riding has been largely important to who I am, horseback riding has provided me with an outlet for dealing with stress. The sound, relaxed state of mind I must possess as an equestrian has allowed me to implement focus and mental strength into dealing with the rigors of every-day life as a student and as a woman.…

for a variety of factors like balance, suppleness, and obedience with the purpose of improving and facilitating the performance of the horse for a normal task. This discipline is elegance in motion, where every movement made by horse and rider is choreographed to perfection. Speed is not important, but the total control of the horse is important. This requires both the rider and horse need to combine the strength and agility of gymnastics with the elegance and beauty of ballet. Dressage outline…

When they get no response, they are forced to think of alternative ways, which are usually much lighter aids. This teaches them, as well as their family, to stay calm instead of lashing out in frustration. One teenager Katie Cummings, a girl whom was diagnosed with autism, has been riding for several months. At first, she started her journey into equestrianism with a program called My Shine, but has now strayed from it and takes weekly lessons in Medford with a new instructor Sarah Chironno,…

Looking for a new horse can be quite a challenge for some people. Whether they’re looking for a performance horse, a trail horse, a companion, or a lawn ordainment it all depends on many different attributes. In my life I have rode quite a variety of horses. I was first trained in English riding where I showed in local horse shows and 4-H. Soon after I was trained to jump small jumps. I then moved on to western riding where I continued to show along the way. Along with western riding I did my…

The most important goal in my life is to become an inspiring leader who positively impacts my family, friends, and community. The absolute means to accomplish this goal are not readily or easily defined, but the course of action in my college career I am choosing to take is through the school of business. In the business program I will have multiple opportunities to meet equally driven individuals, develop leadership qualities, and become an active ambassador around the world. By being an…

Kinslee has been riding horses for around seven years. She started with the very basics of riding horses and advanced from there. She is now jumping horses at around two foot three inches and showing them in the academy beginner division. Kinslee completely fell in love with the sport and the animals. She even know works with them everyone weekend by being the barn hand where she rides. People often tell Kinslee "Riding is not a workout or a sport because the horse does all of the work."…

For most people their favorite memories revolve around family and friends. My favorite memory involved a runaway horse. I will always remember my gallop in the Arizona desert fondly as one of the most exciting days of my life. It was mid spring when a band of nine riders slowly plodded along the Arizona Mexican border. The dusty prairie stretched as far as the eye could see, flat and endless. Brush, burnt from the sun’s blistering heat, filled the landscape with hazy color. Cacti were…

Native Americans and their culture have intrigued me from a young age. What drew me to them from the beginning was their mode of transportation. I grew up with horses and every year I would have a Native American birthday party. We would paint handprints on all of our horses and ride around with my cousins and friends. As I became older I watched Geronimo: An American Legend with my dad. I loved the thrill and the excitement in this movie. The Native Americans always fascinated me in the movie…

Horse Racing: Right or Wrong? Horse racing may be considered an older American pastime but it is still alive and well in today’s society. Thousands of people watch each year as horses run, full speed, down a dirt track hoping for the ultimate trophy; The Triple Crown. Horse racing is an entirely different world. Little kids aspire to be jockeys while parents aspire for the horse they bet on to win. The horse racing industry appeals to everyone of all ages and that is one of the reasons it has…

I believe that everyone has at least one childhood event that remains etched in their memory as they grow up. One of my clearest memories growing up is the first time I fell of a horse. I can still picture the scene in my head, starting with the horse spooking and running towards the fence, to the point where I fell off and could see the hooves right above my head. As a six-year-old child this fall should have scared me from riding a horse again, however it ended up having the opposite effect.…