All it took was a Dad and Daughter trip to pet some retired race horses that inspired me to beg my parents for riding lessons. I was 7 at the time. After some convincing, I finally rode a horse. I will never forget the feeling when I went over my first pole. It was under the lights, in the cold winter air, on what would become my favorite paint pony. I thought I had conquered the world after cantering over that pole.
I attended my first show at the age of eight on the same paint pony. I began taking this sport seriously at the age of 10, when I chose to pursue riding over junior lifeguards, gymnastics, tennis, soccer, volleyball, and any other activity that would take away time with these special animals. I had come down with the horse bug.
Right away, even at the ages of eight and nine, I learned life skills that some adults still have to learn. I practiced traits like: responsibility, patience, time management, independence, and public speaking. I mention public speaking as an important trait because I needed to be able to communicate on my own with adults and trainers. My most favorable characteristic that I have acquired is my strong work ethic. I could not have been able to reach my lofty goals of competing at the 3’6″ equitation, National Derbies, and 1.25 jumpers if it weren’t for my continuous “no-stirrup work” and cross training. Learning to feed and supplement the horses, as well as, cleaning stalls and cross ties has given me great insight. Shadowing the horses’ chiropractor and vets, writing the schedules and surrounding myself with excellent role models has been immeasurably fruitful.
I still have many goals I want to accomplish in this sport like competing in Grand Prix’s, Young Riders, International Derbies, and having the opportunity to ride on a collegiate team.
I am confident in my ability to ride any horse. I have been fortunate to have experienced trainers in my career who have given me numerous opportunities to ride all of their available horses. I’m so grateful as this has helped me with my feel and connection.
I am a Senior at Newport Harbor High School, where I am taking: 1B French, AP Calculus, 1B language and Literature, AP Psychology, and Physics. My weighted GPA junior year was a 4.4, and my overall weighted GPA is a 4.04.
My dream has always been to ride at the collegiate level. I have taken my education very seriously, as well as my equestrian career. Being on a college equestrian team would be the best of both worlds, as well as a dream come true. Not only will I get the opportunity to ride and take care of such special animals, I get the opportunity to further my education.
~ Mackenzie Greer