A deep connection is formed when spending hours upon hours with the same person, or in this case, a horse.  It is assumed that horseback riding isn’t difficult, or even a sport. However, it takes determination and a lot of focus.  But most of all, people must want to do it.

Horseback riding is not a sport that someone can be a part of one day and forget about the next. The teammates count on each other to grow, learn, and excel. It also provides a relaxing and safe place to get away.

“We are always there for each other with a shoulder to cry on, especially if we are having a bad day!” said Emily Ulmer.

Students think that because they do not have a horse, they can’t participate in horseback riding.   This, however, is not necessarily true. To be on the team, students don’t even need a horse. They just take lessons to gain knowledge and experience. The only requirement is that students are in middle or high school.

When joining a horseback riding team, or just taking lessons, making a lot of new friends is normal. Because new riders will get a good circle of friends, they can help if someone is struggling. Some areas that someone might be struggling with are the concepts of getting a horse ready or a specific riding skill. It might be awkward at first being in a new place and trying out for a team, but if someone expands their horizons, things will be looking up!

Fundraising is one way to raise money for the barn that you are attending for the sport. Sixty percent of the money that is earned goes towards the barn for fees, while the other forty percent goes to pay the show fees or lesson fees.

Horseback riding isn’t for everyone and there are definitely many challenges. However, people who try new things expand their knowledge. It could make them a better person too, and it is inevitable that they will make so many new friends. Definitely try it out, because you never know unless you try.