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

An 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 share their devotions to the equestrian lifestyle.

ISABEL DONNER

On a typical humid Miami morning, freshman Isabel Donner can be seen in the arena with a big smile on her face doingwhatsheloves 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 discoveredM&MStables, 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 two hours. 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 PlantationAcres Saddle Club.

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.

To Donner, it is important for the horses she has around her to feel comfortable, which is why she prioritizes making extra time to participate in 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.

Donner prepares with some walks 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 regained her confidence. Having had first-hand experience with getting injured 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.

“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.

VIVIAN FREDERIQUE

With the wind in her hair and the adrenaline rushing through her veins, sophomore Vivian Frederique rides her horse through the twisting and turning trails. Frederique has been riding horseback for 13 years, having developed a love for horses at an early age.

“I always loved horses as a child and wanted to become a professional rider. My family and I were bored and decided to go horseback riding,” Frederique said. “After that day my love for horses grew stronger leading me to where I am today.”

As she grew older, Frederique began self-training by enjoying adventures through the barn with her horses. Her family owns a barn in Southwest Ranches where she spends her time on weekends with her horses. Frederique has ten horses and one pony, her favorites include Dakota, Angel, Mia and Marley. She loves all breeds of horses but favors the American Quarter horse, such as Dakota, because of their comforting demeanor and companionship.

“Dakota and I have a crazy unbreakable bond and were always with each other no matter what. This one time he saved me by just running in front of me to stop the other horses from kicking me so that I wouldn’t get hurt,” Frederique said.

Frederique believes in more than just riding the horses for fun. She prides herself in creating strong bonds with all of her horses by interacting with each of them individually to make sure there is a level of trust between the rider and the horse. Her strongest skills in horseback riding are the confidence she maintains and her ability to bond with her horses, who she has even trained to do tricks.

“Dakota knows how to smile, give kisses, give hugs and run to me when I call him. Some of my other horses know how to smile and give a bow,” Frederique said.

Although Frederique does not plan on competing, she hopes to specialize in a field involving horses in the future such as becoming a horse chiropractor. She wants to give back to horses as they have given her something valuable: peace.

“Being around horses makes you a more patient and overall nicer person in general since horses can sense your emotions and will feed off of them,” Frederique said. “I’ve learned how to read people in the sense that I know how to easily determine how someone is,” Frederique said.

However, Frederique is not the only one who has shared a passion for horseback riding in her family. Her b r o t h e r, Marlon Frederique, has also had his fair share of the activity.

“We have a barn that she visits every weekend. It’s somewhere peaceful and a place where you can clear your mind,” Marlon Frederique said. “I’m not as into horseback riding anymore but my sister has developed a love for it that’s inspired her to pursue an equestrian career.”

Horseback riding has filled Frederique with valuable lessons that she will keep throughout her life. On her horse Frederique is unstoppable as she speeds through the trails of her barn, jumping over any obstacle that may come in between her and her horse.

“I’ve fallen off, gotten kicked, bitten, stepped on and pushed by a horse. But through it all, I’ve learned that if you fall off a horse you have to get back up and hop on again because if not, the horse will know that it will win,” Frederique said.

Courtesy of Vivian Frederick