From walk-trot to big jumps

Horse riding is one of my favorite things to do. I started when I was 4 years old doing trail rides and riding Western. When I was 6 I moved to riding English and started doing small jumps. When I started riding at Memorial Park Hunters, my trainer, Mrs. Patty Roberts, encouraged me to show in an equestrian competition. My first show was when I was 10 with my pony, Penelope. We did the basics like walk, trot and canter, but I really liked it and my parents were very supportive. My older sister also competed, so we started spending lots of weekends at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy.

One of the biggest horse shows in the south is the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, which comes to Katy in March. It’s very exciting to see riders compete in big events like a Grand Prix or a Hunter Derby. I have competed at Pin Oak for the last five years, and this past year, competed in the junior hunter classes on my horse, Caterpillar. Pin Oak is a great show because it benefits charities. It gives me a good feeling to know that doing something I love is helping other people too. It’s also fun to meet riders from all over the country.

What I like most about riding is the partnership I have with my horse. We have to work together to be successful. We also have to think together. I do get nervous right before I get in the ring, but once we start going I concentrate on what we need to do. It’s a great feeling to walk out of the ring after we know we’ve done well. Riding is one of those sports you can do for the rest of your life. So I know I will be riding for many years to come!

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