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KATS KATS
KORNER
Questions with
Katfrom
Instagram KatFuqua01
Kat with Gargarin aka Giggles at 2022 WEF. Photo by Anne Gittins
do you stay confident when you are 1 How not making much progress?
2021 National Junior Hunter Championship, Consent. Photo by Phelps Media
-@lizmcdonald Anytime when I’m starting something new for the first few days/weeks it feels challenging, and even though I’m working hard I don’t feel as though I’m improving. When I started dressage it was hard for me to get the correct leg placement, and even to do a full test of sitting trot. Everyone starts somewhere and when something is new it’s going to take a while to get down, especially when you’re working with a live animal who doesn’t speak your language. I just try to be patient and keep working hard towards my goal even when I don’t feel a difference. Just know in your mind you can do it if you put your mind to it.
USDF Silver Medalist at FEI PSG Open, scoring 69.211% at the Global Adequan Dressage Festival. Photo by Susan Stickle
do you balance everything? (School, 2 How Mental health, social-life)
TRAINING & Showing
@catemeyer01 The school I go to I have been going to since Pre-K. When I started showing and had to start missing school I was in 1st Grade. My mom explained to them that I’m very competitive and it’s my passion, they’ve always been extremely supportive of me and help me when I need to catch up on work from the days that I’ve missed. I try to spend a lot of time with my school friends and friends that don’t ride horses to have a balance. It’s important for your mental Health to have a break from your sport and have fun with friends!
3 What’s your mental prep before showing?
- @sth.dressage Before I show I make sure to watch a few people before I go, to make sure I have a plan for my course or test. It’s important for me to do this because I want to go in the ring confident with my plan. I try not to think so much about winning, more just focusing on each movement or jump individually.
4 Do you want to go pro in the Future?
@claire.friedlander Yes, definitely want to go Pro in the future I’m just not sure how soon after my years as a Junior.
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5 What started your interest in horses?
- isabella.eqqq My parents were both Grand Prix Dressage riders so I grew up into a riding family. My mom got my Miniature Pony “Butter Cup ” for my 1st birthday. She held me up on her while he was lead around. So from 1-5 years old I learned to ride on her and loved it. I started seriously showing at six. I went to my first WEF and since then it’s been my passion and favorite thing to do!
6 What’s your favourite thing about the sport?
emilywilson.eq My favorite thing about the sport is being able to have such a strong bond and trust with my horses. I know my horses trust me and I trust them. It’s such a cool feeling to feel like you can understand them.
7Do you have a workout routine outside of riding? -anushkachavda_eq Yes! 3-4 days a week I do an 8 minutes glute and an 8 minute ab workout. I found both workout videos on YouTube. I also try to do a mile on the elliptical 4 times a week. E
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