Many athletes within Hempfield High understand the stress of balancing athletics, piles of schoolwork, and social life. However, a select few athletes here at the high school not only balance practices and competitions, but also the daily chore of keeping their teammate alive. These athletes spend early mornings, late nights, and long weekends at the barn, training, bonding, and taking care of their horses. From the barn to school, they carry an immense amount of dedication, discipline, and passion.
An equestrian is an athlete who rides horses, in whichever style they choose. Equestrians come in many different styles, and have many different options on how they may show. The “styles” of riding are typically split into two categories, English and Western. English riding involves a flatter saddle, which is typically used for things like jumping and dressage. A Western Saddle has a horn on the front of it and is typically used for things like roping cattle and rodeo. The industry has many different ins and outs and is full of opportunity, memories, and life skills, which many students here at Hempfield seek.
Junior Jayla Moore, a barrel racer, explains that, “Each time you ride, you get better and better, and you learn new things all the time. The connection that you get to have with your horse is fascinating.” Barrel racing involves high level training between the rider and horse to race a cloverleaf pattern at high speeds, and a goal to get the shortest time.
On the flip side, senior Abby McCullough shows horses in a pattern which isn’t judged on speed, but instead is based upon the rider’s control over the movements within her and her horse’s body. When asked what the biggest lesson this sport has taught her is, McCullough said, “You have to put the horse first, so it teaches you responsibility. If you don’t want to get up early in the morning to go do something you have to, the horses rely on you for care.”
As an equestrian myself, riding has been the most rewarding sport I’ve ever done. From getting off after a good ride, or my horse hugging me after a long day, this sport continues to build me up day by day. The relationship and bond created with a horse is one like no other, rather than a horse and rider duo, the two become one. Although it is by far the most time consuming sport I’ve ever participated in, the lifelong lessons it teaches last forever.
Although the numbers of equestrians here may be slim, we have some true talent hidden here at Hempfield. Abby McCullough has shown horses at some of the largest competitions here in the US, including Oklahoma City and World Equestrian Center in Ocala Florida. Sydney Markle has won 4H States a few times, as well as made showmanship finals at Quarter Horse Congress, a high level competition in Columbus Ohio.
Not only do riders have to constantly work on their own form and immense balance, but they also have to control an 1000lb animal with their legs. The horse industry is a growing $177 billion dollar industry. This industry will one day rely on our generation to take it over and watch it continue to grow. There are many barns nearby the high school, which offer riding lessons to brand new beginners who have an interest in learning this sport. One is never too old to try and saddle up.
