Saddled up: Horseback riding with Welsh, Segal

 

 

Though horseback riding has been around for centuries and it is a great exercise for both horse and rider, it is a sport that has never lost its popularity.  This is true of North Harford where several students compete in this sport with regularity.

Kids get involved in this sport at very young ages.  Senior Casey Welsh said, “My parents got me involved into riding.  I was five years old when I got started.”

According to the ‘Certified Horsemanship Association’ horseback riding gives the riders certain character traits that help build character and get them prepared for life including companionship, problem-solving, socialization, competitiveness, and relaxation. It also keeps the rider fit along with the horses.

Senior Sydney Segal stated that she  rides her horse every day and then she rides at ‘Horse and Hive’ three times a week.  “It’s important to ride often to keep both the horse and the rider in shape, so the horse can also build off of daily techniques and training, ” said Segal.   Welsh added that “I ride 4-5 times a week. It’s easy because they are on my farm.”

Location is definitely key for this sport. Welsh already mentioned that her horses are at her farm. However, Segal said, “I ride and work at ‘Horse and Hive’ in Hydes, Maryland. But I also live at ‘Black Rock Farm’ in Fallston, Maryland where I ride and keep my own horses.”

Competitions are the heart and soul of riding. Riders work for weeks to prepare for shows. Welsh said, “I did shows with Harford County Horse Show Association and Baltimore County Horse Show Association. I’ve ridden in a National Capital Equitation League and International Equestrian Association Team.”

Both riders said that the horse and the rider should enjoy the sport. Segal said, “I love to see the progress of my horses and seeing them improve. It makes all of my hard work and time pay off. Which in conclusion is the most rewarding of all.”