Student saddles up for shows

Some students might put on cleats before heading out to practice or a game, but others like junior Sarah Shuck grab their crop and saddle and head to the ring.
Shuck has been involved with sport of equestrian for six years and absolutely loves it.  “It’s really, really fun and sometimes it’s a little scary at first, but it’s a really unique sport because you’re involved with animals – it’s not just you.”  She says that animals are a big part of her life, and she’s loved them since she was a little girl.
When Shuck’s friend took her to a barn and introduced her to the sport of horseback riding, she was hooked. “I went along with her and I loved it, so I just started lessons there.”
Apart from riding three to four times a week, Shuck also participates in competitions several times throughout the year. “I do eventing, which is the discipline I do within equestrian, and sometimes they are kind of stressful but usually I’m happy if I feel like I improved even if I didn’t win.”
According to the United States Eventing Association, eventing is generally a three-day competition that consists of three different parts – dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. On day one, dressage, the rider shows their horse’s ability to complete intricate exercises and movements while in a small space. This shows off the horse’s training and their ability to complete hard tasks.
On day two, the horse and rider embark on a cross country course filled with obstacles that must be completed within a certain time limit. This tests the endurance of both the horse and rider.
Lastly, the third day is show jumping – a combination of different kinds of jumps that occur within an arena.  This tests the stamina and accuracy of the horse and equestrian and their ability to compete together.
When Shuck grows up, she would definitely like to continue horseback riding. “I want to go to college and get a degree in equine management, and a few colleges that I’ve looked at have an option where you can bring your horse and board it at their stable at the college.  So I’m thinking about that if I have a horse by then.  But it’s definitely what I want to do in the future… for a career.”