Freshman Danielle Erickson's new horse is a five-year-old paint horse named Hawk. Photo contributed by: Danielle Erickson
By Ellen Smith
Equitation, cantering, and dressage. Tack, bridle, and posting. These are all terms that are familiar to enthusiasts of one hobby: horseback riding. Many are not familiar with this activity that five PHS students share a passion for.
Horses and ponies come in a variety of breeds, sizes, colors, and temperaments. Freshman rider Megan Snyder said that she owns “one Quarter horse and one miniature horse. [The Quarter horse’s name] is Hot n Zipped, or Vinnie.” Generally, horses have show names, but are not called by them regularly. Sophomore Michaila Nate owns “two horses, named A Debonair Dee (Jackson for short), and A Smidgen of Smooth (Smidge for short).” Snyder’s miniature horse is named “Tiny Trotter’s Honor, or Buddy.” Freshman Danielle Erickson owns a paint horse. “His name is Hawk,” she said. Sophomore Heather Griewank owns “three Quarter horses and a pony, [named] Russell, Leggs, Bennie, and Trigger,” while freshman Christine Beckman also “[used to] have a Quarter horse named Junior.” Beckman still rides quarter horses, but she is “just looking for new mount.”
No matter the color or breed, temperament is the most important quality to look for in horses. Riding frequently is something that all riders must do, especially if preparing for a competition. Erickson said “she rides whenever she can,” and Griewank said she rides “very often, a lot during the summer, [and] pretty much every day.” Beckman rides her horse “approximately three times a week,” and Snyder rides “three to five times a week.” Nate said that “in the summer she rides five days a week, and in the spring I ride as much as possible.” The dedication that riders express is not only because they want success. There is a whole other dimension to horseback riding that exists as the relationship that a horse and rider share.
Horseback riding offers many things, including many different types of competition, whether it be showing or racing barrels. Griewank shows in many events, including “pleasure, English, Western, Equitation, Horsemanship, and Showmanship. I can do any [event] on my horse,” she said. Beckman does many similar events. “[I do] Equitation, English and Western Pleasure, Showmanship, and Horsemanship.” she said. Nate said she “can jump and ride Western and English.”
4-H offers many opportunities as far has horseback riding is concerned. Many PHS students participate in their annual horse shows held during the fair in July. Nate announces at the shows, and competes in open shows. Snyder said, “I show in my quarter horse circuit and I am also in 4-H. I am currently training my horse in hunter under saddle and jumping. I do halter and showmanship and drive with my mini [horse].” Griewank and Erickson are also in 4-H, and Griewank participates in “horse shows, and 4-H.”
Griewank has had much success riding her horses. “My greatest success [was] placing 9th and being a finalist twice at the All American Quarter Horse Congress-the largest single breed horse show in the world.” she said. Beckman has also done very well in the competitions she has been involved in. “[At the] IQHA, [or] Indiana Quarter Horse Congress I received two top tens and finaled twice.” she said. Attaining success almost always requires preparation in advance. Griewank and Erickson both ride at their houses, while Beckman rides in Hebron, Indiana. Snyder rides her horses “[at] the Athletic Style Ranch in Plymouth.”
Riding has been a part of these students’ lives for years, and for some it has become a lifestyle. Beckman began because she has always loved horses, and her mom offered to take her to lessons. Griewank “grew up on a farm and had a miniature horse,” and Erickson grew up with horses as well. Snyder had the opportunity of riding the horses of a family friend when she was little. Nate got into horses because her little sister was involved, so she tried it and liked it.
With spring here and warm weather becoming more frequent, all riders are excited to ride more often. However, Griewank, Snyder, and Beckman all go to facilities that allow them to ride in the winter. “I normally give my horses the winter off after a long hard summer of showing every weekend,” said Griewank.
Horseback riding is a hobby that is different from many, because it gives riders the chance at an emotional relationship with their ride. Nate loves riding because it is fun and challenging. “I love going out and just riding to relax,” she said. Griewank is very attached to her horses. “I am very close to [my horses], and they mean a lot to me. They are my best friends, and they’re more loyal than any human could ever be.” she said. Beckman said that riding has made her a more confident and determined person. “I love horses, and I feel like I’ve achieved something after [riding].” Whether their horses are old companions or new, relationships are always being built. Erickson has just recently gotten her current horse, Hawk. “He is fairly new, so we are still building a relationship.” she said. “[He has] seemed to open up very quickly though, and it’s going very well.”
Snyder said that riding has made her a “more patient [person]. Sometimes it will take months to train your horse to do one thing.” Trust is very important, she added. “I like to think that I have a really good relationship with my boys,” said Snyder. Nate said that horseback riding had made her “more patient, and a harder worker.” Erickson agreed, saying that horses have helped her senses of responsibility, patience, and trust. Snyder added, “I ride because it’s fun, and it’s also a great way to stay in shape.”
Horseback riding shapes lives, teaches important values, and all riders agree that it is also good, plain fun. “When I am riding, I can’t help but feel happy.” Erickson said.