Inclined to Equines

When high school students think about sports, not many people think about horseback riding. For Junior Maya Doskocil horseback riding is the first sport that comes to mind.

Maya started horseback riding with her mom when she was 7 years old. She fell in love with Saffron, a beautiful chestnut horse. When asked what her best experience with a horse was Doskocil said, “Saffron picked up my hula hoop and tried to get it over her head to hula hoop, it was hilarious”.

As she continued her lessons, she went into competition. In competition, the riders create their performance and judges judge their technique and skill, such as posture, and most of all the behavior of the horse. Many people go into competition in hopes of scholarship opportunities,experience working with horses and the opportunity to travel.

There is specific attire for horseback riding. To start, a helmet and knee high riding boots are necessary. Then legging like pants for English saddles and jeans for western saddles.

Some athletes listen to certain music before they perform, however there is not a horse back riding genre, Doskocil says she listens to whatever is on the radio. I once watched people perform to Beyonce’s “Halo”.

When asked about why she stopped competing, Maya said, “I did not appreciate the way other riders treated each other.”

Now she spends her time in the barn; bathing, brushing, and feeding the horses along with casual rides around her property.

Horseback riding is not just a sport it’s therapeutic. As you work with horses, a bond builds. “I was always told to think positive and be kind, horses pick up on that,” said Doskocil.

Horses are ready to make this bond with any person, even special needs people. When asked about horseback riding compared to other sports Maya said “It is more enjoyable and involved. Also it does not discriminate, if you aren’t popular or athletic that’s fine.”