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sports
Trailblazing Cavaliers
Horseback riding Cavaliers jump over barriers as they share their love for the equestrian sport and lifestyle BY MARTA RODRIGUEZ AND ISABEL QUINTANILLA, STAFF WRITERS
A
N UNCOMMON YET lively sport, the adventurous spirit of horseback riding does not go unnoticed with many students at the school. As they dedicate themselves to the adventurous
sport of horseback riding, motivated equestrians pursue their passions of riding horses while simultaneously forming bonds with the animals they love. While horseback riding, these student athletes develop their balance
and core strength. With the goal of connecting with nature and experiencing outdoor living, sophomore Vivian Frederique and freshman Isabel Donner who share their devotions to the equestrian lifestyle.
On a typical humid Miami morning, freshman Isabel Donner can be seen in the arena with a big smile on her face doing what she loves the most, horseback riding. However, this was not always the case. Although Donner has loved interacting with horses since she was young, she did not begin riding them until the age of 12, when her father discovered M&M Stables, a barn near their home. Donner has been going to M&M Stables for two years and has lessons there every Saturday at 11 a.m. for approximately hours. two Because she does not have her
own horse, she uses the different horses that the barn has to offer. Her personal favorite is Brewster, a thoroughbred. “I like [Brewster] the best because he is really sweet and has a good temperament, which helps a lot when it comes to riding and allows me to work best with him,” Donner said. Having a special bond with the horses helps Donner win competitions. Donner has won several categories and been the champion as well as reserved champion at some competitions. She mainly competes at different shows in the barn, but has also gone to shows at the Plantation Acres Saddle Club. To Donner, it is important for the horses she has around her to feel comfortable and being around them, which is why she priortizes making extra time to participate in extra activities with them whenever she is at the barn. Before the lesson starts, Donner makes her way to Brewster’s stable and prepares him for the day. Many times, she greets the horse by
giving him a treat or petting him, to relax him and show the horse some love. Donner prepares with some walks
ISABEL DONNER
Courtesy of Isabel Donner
trotting. Depending on what her coach advises during the session, she practices cantering around the arena by moving the horse at a canter in a particular direction, or trotting ground points. Once Brewtser’s adrenaline is pumping, they practice for competitions and Donner then cools him down when the lesson is over. “Horseback riding gives me a very calming, at peace feeling because of how focused you are on the horse. Everything else just slips your mind for a while,” Donner said. Working so close to animals, Donner acknowledges the importance of taking care of her animals, as her safety depends on the horses’ movements. When she was 12, she fell off a horse fracturing and dislocating her jaw. The fall made her feel as though she was not progressing, but with dedication, she during this sport has helped her become more aware of the horse’s reactions to stressful situations, so she tries to remain patient and she takes everything one step at a time when working on new tricks. Donner has implemented this lesson into her everyday life, as she knows that she cannot rush into things and expect them to go smoothly, taking things slowly is mo “A life lesson I’ve learned from horseback riding is that perseverance is the key to success and can help anyone with anything,” Donner said.
