A riding lesson was my sixth birthday present at a small beginner-friendly barn. As soon as I sat on their smallest pony, I fell in love with the sport. I tried many different sports previous to riding, but none of them stuck like riding horses. I learned many things at this barn. Then my parents found a new barn for me to blossom and thrive. Although I took about a month off from riding, Empress Valley Farms, where I still ride and train, reached out with open arms. I went in with some experience, but we decided it was best to start from scratch and go back to the basics. This ultimately created a stronger foundation for me, going from being a timid rider to now confidently dominating difficult skills.
I rode many different lesson horses and ponies, but I clicked almost instantly with one, “Chantilly Blue”, or Frosty. Starting with ground poles, then cross rails, then finally moving up to the 2’ equitation and hunters, this pony showed me the ropes. I began leasing Frosty for my final year with her, and that year truly shaped me into becoming a mindful horsewoman. I learned all about the pre and post-show care, and I got my hands dirty with helping out others any chance I got.
Eventually, I outgrew Frosty, which led to my parents purchasing my first pony in the winter of 2019. He was my biggest and best Christmas present I have ever received. “VH Paris Rain Beau”, or Kennedy, carried on teaching me what Frosty couldn’t at the higher levels. We moved right into the children’s pony 2’6, even winning every class for champion in the eq at WEC, being our first show together. I continued learning how to work at the barn (barn chores) in order to continue showing frequently. Over the summer of 2020, when the world was making a comeback, so were we. Kennedy and I stepped up to the Large Regular Pony division that August. It was an entirely different ball game, as Kennedy was short strided. We did a few more shows that year, working on being consistent. Over the winter we got to work, and it paid off. We came out of the gates running, qualifying for Pony Finals early March of 2021. Our partnership only grew from there, going to WEC Wilmington as well as Tryon earning Champion or Reserve at both. We continued to succeed on our local circuit gearing up for Pony Finals.
Pony Finals was a great and exciting experience. Although not coming home with any ribbons, we had a wonderful hunter trip, with an unfortunate mistake costing us big scores. We had another great trip in the Pony Medal, with little things to tweak and work on at home. We finished out the year strong together, earning 6th in Zone 5 for the Large Regulars, as well as Champion in the 2’6 Eq and Reserve in the Larges for OHJA.
That winter began a long and bearing search for a horse. Finding a horse you matched well with and having the horse not pass vetting was gutting, but after a few months and a catchride at WEC Ocala, “Budapest” (Buda) was found. I was resisting falling in love with another horse after a rough winter, but after the first jump I knew Buda had to come home with us. My parents purchased him while I catch-rode “Rio Tesoro” (Tater). The next week I ended up showing Buda moving right into the childrens hunters 3’. It was an amazing show, even winning a trip o/f! Bringing Buda back to the Ohio weather showed us a new side to him, however. Buda was quite fresh, fidgety and spooky; almost nothing like the horse I rode in Florida. Adapting to Buda was difficult, as when I was nervous (for whatever reason) Buda fed off of me and beyond.
I began working on myself and calming my nerves to soothe Buda and keep him as happy as possible. I continue to do so, but our rides have gotten so much more confident and consistent together. Buda has helped me become more comfortable riding other horses, especially in IEA. The past two years I have been a much stronger rider in IEA, putting in the hours and having nice and consistent over-fences. I have now gotten to the point where I feel confident and relaxed with any horse I ride. In fact, I believe I equitate better on other horses (especially in IEA) than I do on my own. Flowing with a new horse and going right in for a trip over-fences is an art, and I am adding brush strokes to my piece every time I ride.
I am also trusted to ride fellow boarders’ horses, juniors and amateurs alike. I have gotten so many extra miles riding such unique and different horses, and I am so grateful for everyone who has let me hop on their horse.
I work at my barn at least three times a week. Over the summer, I try to pick up more shifts to stay busy and make more money to go towards horse shows. Working at the barn has truly shown me how privileged I am to be able to own and show my own horse, and that hard work pays off.
~ Ainsley Russell