CURRENT CHAT… ANIMAL PLANET: ROAD TO THE MACLAY STARS—BRIANNE GOUTAL, LINDSAY SMITH AND NIKKO RITTER… Three of the cast members from the Animal Planet channel’s Horse Power: The Road To The Maclay answer your questions about riding, being on TV, and making sacrifices to compete at the top.
Brianne Goutal Nikko Ritter Lindsay Smith
BRIANNE GOUTAL, LINDSAY SMITH AND NIKKO RITTER CHAT…………………………
Beth, Monterey, Calif.
Do you believe Animal Planet presented you and our sport fairly during the show? What was most difficult about the cameras following you around? Has it been difficult for you to watch the show and hear feedback from friends and on online message boards?
Brianne Answers… Dear Beth,
I believe that Animal Planet did a great job portraying our sport. It must have been an extremely difficult task, considering that they really did not know any of us before the show and they had only a short time to try to get to know the sport and us. In the beginning, the cameras made us feel uncomfortable and awkward, but after a while you get used to them. As a matter of fact, it is almost bizarre now not having them around us! There have been numerous chat sites discussing the show, both in a negative and positive light. To be honest, I have not even looked at one of the sites. I have heard about what is said about me and my friends, and I feel that it’s impossible to talk about or to judge people you do not know.
Lindsay Answers… Dear Beth,
I think that Animal Planet did the best it could to represent the sport fairly. I thought that they made the show very educational to viewers who
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| Lindsay Smith |
knew nothing about horses and what it takes to compete at the highest level of junior riding. The sport needs all the representation it can get, and I believe that this was huge for our sport. I am my own worst critic, but I thought that I was portrayed fairly. I am a lot more self-assured than they made me out to be, but that was to portray the “long-shot” persona. All in all, I enjoyed the show as a viewer and participant.
After the first few days of the cameras, I got used to it. They didn’t bother me or negatively affect my riding. It was a little awkward when I was in public places and people were staring at me, but it was a lot of fun too. I had no problem expressing myself on camera.
I really enjoyed watching the show, and a lot of people ask me if it was hard to watch. Some parts were tough to watch and brought back some bad memories, but there is nothing you can do about it. I try not to look at online message boards because for the little that I saw, people were bashing my fellow riders and myself, when they don’t even know us. There was more to the story, and this caused some angry viewers. As for my friends, they all loved it.
Nikko Answers… Dear Beth,
Well, I’m sure everyone on the show had something they felt was represented poorly. For example, I was not late to Medal Finals, nor was I late to Maclay regionals. In fact it was the camera crew that didn’t want to wake up in time to film us. But the sport was represented properly; in fact, they did a very good job in their presentation. The camera took a little getting used to, but after a few weeks it became routine. I watched it every Wednesday at 8. The forums were also not anything I wasn’t used to, because I’ve been quite active on forums and am used to critics.
Patsy, Orlando Fla.
What did “Horse Power” do for all of you? What’s next?
Brianne Answers… Dear Patsy,
Horse Power has had an enormous effect on both the riders in the show and the entire riding community. I can only speak for myself and on behalf of Beacon Hill, but we have been getting a lot of attention from people who have watched the show. For one thing, we have all been signing a lot of posters and taking a lot of pictures! More importantly, however, our sport has finally received the public attention that it has longed for and of course needed. Animal Planet did an incredible job of making the show attractive and understandable for those who do not know about riding. It’s difficult to say what is next! I am definitely going to continue riding and working hard to improve my riding. I hope to one day compete at the highest level that I can and to compete internationally. You can only work as hard as you can to improve one day at a time!
Lindsay Answers… Dear Patsy,
“Horse Power” was a phenomenal experience, and I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity. Since the show, I have met a lot of great new people and it has opened up some doors for me. As for my future plans, I am leasing L.V. out and I sold my jumper ( my other horse Animal Planet failed to recognize and I had him the whole time). This summer, I am planning on going to Holland to work for a barn that imports horses to the U.S., where my trainer, Kim Prince, gets most of her horses. I’m so excited! Also, in the fall I am off to Texas A&M University on a full scholarship to ride on their NCAA Division I equestrian team.
Nikko Answers… Dear Patsy,
“Horse Power” has allowed me to get exposure that I would never have dreamed of receiving. I think the best thing that it did was inspire other kids to strive for what we (the lucky kids from the show) have. Next, well, I’m going to keep on riding and showing, as I would normally do. I don’t think that the show has changed any of my dreams or aspirations, but it’s probably made it easier for me to reach them in one form or another.
Megan, Vancouver, Wash.
Your equitation seems flawless. One of the things that I struggle with is keeping my upper body in the correct position over fences. I tend to lean when faced with tough spots (either really tight or long). How do you maintain such a correct position? Do you do or think anything in particular, or does correct riding posture come naturally to you?
Brianne Answers… Dear Megan,
My equitation is far from flawless!!! I have always ridden with a similar style, however, it has been polished and tweaked and still needs more! I used to lean when faced with tough spots too, but as soon as I learned that leaning does not improve your distance, it makes it worse, I started trying to aid my horse with upper-body control. It’s something that you have to keep working at, even when you think you have mastered it. Upper-body control does so much for your balance and also your horse’s balance. Something that really helped me was developing a stronger leg. With a stronger leg, you can rely less on your upper body for balance; thus, you can maintain a good position. You‘ll notice the difference only when you have tried different techniques.
Lindsay Answers… Dear Megan,
I’m not a tiny person, and I have a very broad upper body, so posture for me as always been a major issue. When I round, it looks terrible, so I do a lot of exercises to keep my body in an upright position. I try to go to the gym five or six days a week and improve my upper-body strength. I also do a lot of no-stirrups to keep my body balanced and, of course, my legs strong. If you are having trouble with your upper body in the air, try and brace yourself with your leg over fences. It helps keep your balance better.
Nikko Answers… Dear Megan,
I would never say that our eq. is flawless. I don’t believe you can ever be flawless in riding. But I think that you just have to learn to trust your self and your horse. When you’re able to trust your horse, you won’t get as desperate and make the desperate bids. If you sit up and add more leg, it will be much more effective than leaning forward and pitching your body, which will in turn cause more problems than the poor distance.
Tiffany, Cary, N.C.
1) What advice can you give to your fellow riders who aspire to do well in equitation?
Brianne Answers… Dear Tiffany,
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| Brianne Goutal |
The biggest piece of advice I could give to any aspiring equation riders is to not always think about winning. Of course, no one goes to a show to try to lose! But the moment you make winning everything, you make losing your greatest fear. The equitation especially is a very humbling discipline; some days you can have a great round and not get pinned, and other days you can have a less-than-stellar round and win. The important thing is to be able to appreciate all your blue ribbons, whether you have 50 or just one, and to understand that in order to win, you’ll also have to lose.
Lindsay Answers… Dear Tiffany,
Follow your dreams. When I was about 7, I was told I would never be an equitation rider because I wasn’t 5’10” and skinny. Now I look back on that and laugh, because I worked against the odds and became an equitation rider. But, sadly, I have to say, if you want to be the best, you have ride and show in the Northeast, where you have the best riders, like Brianne and Maria, the toughest courses, and the best equitation trainers. Money is also a key factor, but if you have the dedication and the support from your parents, you will get there. I wouldn’t be where I am today if my parents didn’t give up the things they did so I could ride at the highest level.
Tiffany, Cary, N.C.
2) What do you look for when purchasing an equitation horse—any specific issues/skills that the horse needs to know?
Brianne Answers… Dear Tiffany,
There are many qualities that one tries to look for when purchasing an equitation horse. The first thing that comes to mind is style. An equitation horse has to be a fluid and calm jumper. Good form and a big stride are definite pluses. To me, the most important quality of any horse is bravery. All horses, especially equitation horses, need to have a big heart. When you go into a ring, you want to feel that no matter how hard the course is, you will be able to get around. Riding, in my opinion, is 50 percent horse and 50 percent rider. You need to be able to call on your horse, and he needs to be able to call on you.
Lindsay Answers… Dear Tiffany,
As for horses, No. 1, you want your horse to not have any physical issues so that you are almost guaranteed time to establish a successful relationship. Eq. horses are known for being worked the hardest so they need to be able to hold up. You also want them to be basically bombproof and not care about flowers, colors, settings, etc. You have to remember they’re animals and have bad days too. If the horse is young, make sure it has the scope to do the strides and the height. You also do not want a stiff or heavy horse. Besides these basic things, you can train the horse to do whatever you want it to do, as long as it has the brain. The best part about L.V. is that his mind is very stable, even though he can have a bit of a temper.
Nikko Answers… Dear Tiffany,
As for horses, every person will look for something different. A timid rider will look for a more forward horse; a rider who adds too much leg will look for more of the deadhead. I look for a long even canter, a nice jumper, and a confident horse who I know I can trust. It’s very hard to be consistent on a horse that you doubt will help you when you need it. I also like a horse that is at least 17 hands.
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Taylor, Homestead, Fla.
I was wondering what your horse-related plans are for this year (turning pro, taking a break, going from hunters to jumpers, etc.)? Also, what horse(s) do you have to ride this year and in what divisions?
Brianne Answers… Dear Taylor,
I am still a junior this year. I would love to go pro some day but it is a very difficult sport. The top riders are so good that to be able to even compete against them is an honor! I am going to work as hard as possible and to ride at the highest level that I can.
This year I am showing:
Onira—1.50 open jumper division
Casar—1.50 open jumper division
Wait and See—Low junior jumpers
Mon Gamin—Low junior jumpers
Nikko Answers… Dear Taylor,
This year I am going to continue what I have been doing. I’ll show in the hunters, eq. and jumpers. Currently I am showing 007 in eq., Modoc in eq., Joli Cake in large older junior hunters, and Allain Z in high junior jumpers.
Laura, Louisville, Ky.
Do you attend a “regular” school? Do you have any good friends that are not into horses? How do you manage school and riding?
Brianne Answers… Dear Laura,
I do go to “normal” school! I am fortunate that I am able to go to Professional Children’s School in New York City. It’s a school dedicated to providing a flexible curriculum to its students. When I’m in school, it’s like a regular school; but when I have to leave (for Florida for example) the school sends me all my work and I follow along away from home. I have many friends who know nothing about riding but most of my friends are riders. Managing school with riding is difficult. Both are very time-consuming. I’m lucky that I have a great teacher who rides, so she’s at most of the shows. Basically, I ride and then do schoolwork, and not much else!
Lindsay Answers… Dear Laura,
Yes, I attend a prestigious private school. I go to class everyday, except for when I’m showing. My parents believe that education is very important, and I’m lucky because my school is very good about me missing so many days. But before I go to leave on Thursdays, I get my work or take tests early. On the plane or driving in the car, I do work so I don’t fall behind. When I’m home, I ride after school and after I work out. My school is 45 minutes away, so before I go home, I go straight to the barn. It’s hard, but it’s worth it. I have two close friends who ride, and the others have no clue about it. It is fun that way because it is nice to be around people with other interests and it expands my personal experiences with people.
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| Nikko Ritter |
Nikko Answers… Dear Laura,
Well my school is regular in the sense that it is a public school, although it is an I.T. magnet school. This means we specialize in computer science and any technology based subject. Of course, I have good friends who aren’t into horses; it would be very lonely at home if I didn’t have any friends. I explained to my school where I go on the weekends and why it was imperative for me to miss school sometimes on Fridays, and they have been lenient about the absences.
Kate V., Spring Lake, Mich.
What part(s) of your lives did you have to give up to chase the Maclay? Are you happy with your decision(s) to ride at your current level?
Brianne Answers… Dear Kate,
I love riding and spending time with my horses so much that my life is horses. Thus, I rarely feel like I am giving up anything to do what I love to do. The only thing I can think of that I would want to change would be to spend more time with my family. My mom and dad are incredibly supportive and they are always with my sister, Clementine, and me at shows. I have two other sisters who do not ride that I wish I could spend more time with. The thing is, though, that I live in New York City with my whole family, so I see everyone all the time, except for when I’m showing. I’m very happy with my decisions thus far, with regards to my riding!
Lindsay Answers… Dear Kate,
My parents and I gave up a lot. I cannot tell you how long it has been since we went on a family trip. I had no social life at home because I would always be showing. It was difficult in high school, because there would be parties, and I could never go to them. The hardest part was probably being away from my dad so much. He didn’t come to shows, other than the finals, because he’d have to stay home and take care of the business. All in all, I would give it up again to chase the Maclay.
Nikko Answers… Dear Kate,
Since my parents are trainers, I didn’t have to give up anything to achieve where I am today. The only thing I could say I lost was the chance to be in other organized sports. But I would probably not have been as successful in those ventures as I am in my riding. Yes, I would have to say I have been happy with my decision to keep riding.
Micaela, Madison, Wis.
I was wondering what your training schedules are with your horses? How many days a week do you ride your horse (if you have more than one, how often do you ride the one you showed in “Horse Power”)? Out of those rides, how many of those days do you jump and how many do you ride flat? If there are days when you only ride flat do you still use a jumping saddle or do you ride in a dressage saddle? Also, what do you do to keep your horses calm in the shows where there are so many people and strange things? And, lastly, what kind of things do you do to further your bond with them?
Brianne Answers… Dear Micaela,
I am lucky to be able to ride between five and six days per week. My horses do not get jumped very often—maximum two times a week. Flatwork is my dominant work, and sometimes I incorporate gymnastic exercises and pole work into my flatwork. I have never ridden in a dressage saddle, though I have always wanted to try! My horses are used to being at horse shows. They are used to the chaos and noise that occurs and most of the time remain calm.
I have one horse who is very attentive and quite spooky. He is a bit timid, so I try to avoid anything that would cause him to panic or get nervous. I believe that horses need to be relaxed to perform their best. There are many things I do to further bond with my horses. Riding them is important. They get to know you and you get to know them. Also, doing groundwork is important. Whether it be grooming or playing with them in their stalls, contact is key.
Lindsay Answers… Dear Micaela,
I ride five to six days a week, depending on when I am showing. I rarely jump because I don’t want to tire them out. I do a lot of flatwork and bending in my jumping saddle. Pole work is really good because I can help myself with distances without tiring my horse out. To keep my horses calm, I walk around the show grounds.
As for bonding, L.V. is my best friend. I love just being around him. I play with him in his stall, I groom him myself, I bathe him; I do anything I can. He knows me and he trusts me. We trust each other and that makes it so much easier in and out of the ring. One of the greatest riders in the world, Katie Prudent, once said that to ride a horse well, you must know it as well as you know your best friend. Each time I ride, I live by this statement.
Nikko Answers… Dear Micaela,
My horses are ridden at least four times a week and generally five. Flatting is prominent if you want to have good flatwork. However, it varies from horse to horse, depending on what they need to work on the most. I always use a jumping saddle as it wouldn’t make sense to change your position and confuse your horse. Your aids should not be changed from the flat to jumping, so it does not make sense to change saddles that will move your leg and body position. I ride my horses regularly in the morning to gauge how much preparation they’ll need on a particular day. I enjoy just being around them. If you’re in the barn, you’re able to see their attitudes to better understand them. You can see what their likes and dislikes are and try to compliment them.
Paul, Prince George, Va.
In your everyday riding, what training exercises would you say have benefited you as a rider the most? Why?
Brianne Answers… Dear Paul,
I would have to say gymnastic work has benefited me the most. Not only do you strengthen your eye and your position but you also strengthen your horse physically.
Lindsay Answers… Dear Paul,
Probably no-stirrups because not only does it strengthen your legs, but it also keeps you balanced. When you’re balanced, it’s easier to keep your upper body in position. The two-point is beneficial to help to strengthen your lower leg and keep it in a better position. Outside of the ring, I try to get to the gym five or six days a week. Riding is very physical, and it’s important to be fit. I run 2 or 3 miles a day and do upper-body training because I’ve found that it’s easier to keep my shoulders back and in proper position if they’re stronger.
Nikko Answers… Dear Paul,
I would have to say either bounces or without-stirrup work. My biggest problem has always been my lower leg swinging back; although you cannot do bounces every day, it helps to work without stirrups to strengthen your leg. In addition, if you combine both exercises, it causes you to stay with your horses’ motion and work on your leg at the same time. These exercises really help strengthen your leg, a weakness that I share with many.
Anne, Rensselaer, N.Y.
How long did it take all of you to get to the level of riding for the Maclay?
Brianne Answers… Dear Anne,
I have been riding since I was 4 or 5. However, I would say that it took me roughly three years of equitation training to reach the level of riding for the Maclay. Everyone is different, though. Time depends on many different things, and you never know for sure how long it will take.
Lindsay Answers… Dear Anne,
I’ve been showing since I was 7. When I started winning everything locally at 11, my mom said I could start showing on the A-rated circuit, but that was only after I had proved myself. So the last six years I’ve climbed from the children’s hunters to the eq. ring and the high junior jumpers. However, all the years in between, I rode whatever I could to make myself better. Riding different horses makes you very adjustable and able to deal with anything. When I bought L.V. I was 13 (summer of 2002) L.V. was green, so we worked together to form a team. I was the only person who rode L.V. until the spring of 2005, when Kim Prince started to help me. It took us a bit longer because I didn’t have any professionals getting on him a few times a week and training him. So after four years, I’m happy to say that we were ready for the Maclay.
Question For Brianne From Chelsea, Boyds Md.
I just bought a 3-year-old Paint mare who I’ve been jumping at about 2’6”. I want to compete her in hunters and so far nothing spooks her, but she has trouble with her turns and strides in to the jump. When I try and collect her for a jump, she becomes unbalanced and sort of falls over the jump, and if I leave it to her she either gets too deep or too far off. And she has trouble with her leads. Do you have tips or helpful training suggestions?
Brianne Answers… Dear Chelsea,
Three years old is very young. While some horses are naturally balanced, others take longer to educate. All the things you are worried about- striding, lead changes, and balance- will all come eventually. Normally, horses cannot do lead changes until they are at least almost 5 and some horses can never do them! I would suggest taking your time and going slow. Try to teach her the basics such as maintaining a steady canter and keep things simple with her. Good luck!
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| Lindsay Smith on LV |
Question For Lindsay From Shannon, Hopewell, N.J.
How much do you think money is a factor in competing in big eq., or just even the A-rated circuit?
Lindsay Answers… Dear Shannon,
As bad as it sounds, money is a huge factor in the A-rated circuit. Not only does it take hundreds of thousands of dollars to buy the best horses but the other expenses can add up too. Sometimes you can get lucky and ride for an A- circuit barn where you can work if you cannot afford the expenses. Maria is an amazing example of not being completely “loaded” and making it in the big time. She gets a lot of catch rides and is able to ride a lot of nice horses. Even though she only owns one horse, there is always something for her to ride. My parents are comfortable, but I cannot afford two equitation horses or a bunch of jumpers. I also cannot afford to show like most of the kids in the Northeast
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Question For Nikko From Shelby,
What made you choose 007 for the Maclay? I thought Rocket Z was your final choice. What happened when he refused the jump?
Nikko Answers… Dear Shelby,
I chose 007 based on his experience and the fact he’d already been to most of the finals. We also had the WIHS equitation finals a week before Syracuse and 00 went very well. We ended up 12th since I took a stride out in a line, so going into the Maclay we were confident that 007 was going to be the solid choice. I still feel that way, even after what happened. We came around the corner after he’d just jumped the same type of skinny vertical, so I expected everything to be fine, and, well, you watched it. I would have to say that he spooked at the end of the ring. There was a lot of clutter, and I think he felt like he was jumping into the bushes at the end of the ring. Every horse has their moment, and that was his. But I’ve been showing him all winter and been very successful. He was the best horse I had, and it didn’t work out. But that’s part of showing.
Question For Brianne From Lexi, Oakland, Calif.
Brianne: Where do you hope your riding is going to take you? I’ve heard rumors that you will eventually attempt to make the Olympic team. Are these rumors true?
Brianne Answers… Dear Lexi,
It is so hard to say where riding is going to take me! I hope to compete at the highest level that I can. I cannot say that I will eventually attempt to make the Olympic team. There are so many amazing riders who never get the chance to be on the Olympic team and so many that want to. I can say, though, that if I were ever good enough, I would love to represent the United States someday!
Question For Lindsay From Susan, Rochester Hills, Mich.
I’ve read that you are going to college on an equestrian scholarship, congratulations! Could you share how you made contact with colleges that have the NCAA programs? Did you and your trainer send out tapes to their coaches to be recruited, or did they just randomly track you down? I know there are many, many young riders who compete successfully at your level in equitation, and since the NCAA teams are pretty new, any insight into the recruiting process would be of great value.
Dear Susan,
Thank you very much! I am very excited! Last spring, I made a list of schools that I thought about applying to and then e-mailed them. There is a website, www.varsityequstrian.com that explains it and gives you a list of all the participating schools. You make tapes, and some schools request different things, and then you send them to the schools. After they viewed my tapes, they contacted me but they cannot talk to you until July of your senior year due to NCAA rules. The best part is they treat you like any other college athlete.
Question For Nikko From Vivian, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Since you have flown to Argentina to see/buy horses, what would be your overall opinion of the quality of the Argentine Sport Horse (Silla Argentino) compared to European breeding.? What do you think of the level/quality of training our horses and riders have? Would you recommend this trip to others who are horse shopping? What did you think was bad or would you change? In short, the best and worst of your shopping trip all the way down south.
Nikko Answers… Dear Vivian,
The horses that we buy in Argentina are primarily all European breeding. Probably 75 percent of the horses that we buy are direct from Europe. The others are crossed with Argentine mares and usually have European fathers. My mother only goes to one farm in Argentina because she trusts the people and we’ve had a good record there for the last 8 years. We love the country and the people—I would highly recommend Argentina for horse shopping. All of our best have come from there!
Question For Brianne From Sheila, Sacramento, Calif.
What was Logan like to ride? Is he really as nice, smooth and maneuverable as he looked jumping that difficult course?
Brianne Anwers… Dear Sheila,
Logan is possibly the greatest horse I will ever own. He is a rare type. Beautiful style with more heart than you can imagine. He never goes into the ring to do anything but win, and when you go to the ring on him you always feel like you have a better chance than anyone else! However, Logan is one of the most uncomfortable horses to sit to ever!! When you’re going around a course and you’re able to be in your half-seat, he has a great gallop. On the flat, though, he’s very bouncy and very stiff in his jaw. Also, when you jump him, you have to find the line where you can ask him to do something, not tell him to. He doesn’t respond to force.
Question For Lindsay From Renn, Reisterstown, Md.
As a fellow Marylander, I know that the level of competition from Zone 3 to the other Northeast zones, especially Zones 1 and 2, can be very different. In your showing this past year, did you compete outside of Zone 3 often? How did the knowledge of this difference in competition affect you as a rider? Do you think that more experience showing in other zones would have changed your results in regionals and the Medal?
Lindsay Answers… Dear Renn,
Yes, I did go to Kentucky in May and did surprisingly well. I went not expecting much and I rode really well and got seconds and thirds each weekend in USET and Maclay against 30 people in each class. I didn’t show in the Northeast, but showing in Kentucky was similar competition. The courses definitely prepared me for Devon the following weekend. I think that if I lived in the Northeast and trained with a Frank or an Andre for my whole equitation career, my results would have been different. The competition is harder, the courses are tougher, and your trainers are well known. The truth is hard, but if you want to be on top in the eq. world, that’s what you need. I just was not in a location or financial position to do that.
Question For Nikko From Rachel, Austin, Texas
Is it ever intimidating to be one of the few boy riders? Whom do you look up to the most for inspiration? Why did you choose to get into riding instead of other hobbies? What other things do you like to do?
Nikko Answers… Dear Rachael,
I can’t say I was ever intimidated or ashamed for riding. My parents are trainers, and this is what I’ve done all my life. I like every moment of it. I can’t say I have anyone in particular I looked up to. I don’t feel anyone can be perfect. Instead, I try to watch everyone and see what their strong points are to see if I can emulate them. I chose riding since that’s what I did best at the time, but I don’t think I would have been as successful in any other sport. I have done a wide variety of things, from trading-card games to paintball and back again. But I enjoy playing airsoft, football and computer games.
Question For Brianne From Rachel, Austin, Texas
What does it feel like to do well and be on television?
Brianne Answers… Dear Rachel,
I am so happy and appreciative of my successes! I cannot explain how incredible it felt to do so well at finals. I am naturally quite shy and do not like much attention, so I feared being on TV. However, when the show aired, I think everyone on it felt that it was going to help the sport so much that our insecurities kind of vanished—at least for me they did!
Question For Lindsay From Katie, McDonough, Ga.
I have a 12-year-old Oldenburg mare who loves to challenge me. I know I need to be more aggressive, but sometimes she intimidates me. We are jumping 2’3” and doing well, except for these moments. Any advice would be appreciated!
Dear Kate,
My biggest fault is I’m never hard enough on my own horses. I ride a lot of horses at my barn that need help, and I can be three times as tough on them than my own horses. This past week, I’ve been working on a mare with a temper who rears and kicks the wall when you add leg. After a few times, I managed to calm her down. Use your voice a lot, just so the horse knows you’re there and it’s OK. Sometimes people have the tendency to lean forward when they’re intimidated, so try and keep your body up at all times and use your leg. Feel free to contact me if you have any more questions. Good luck with your mare!
Question For Nikko From Katie, McDonough, Ga.
How can I overcome my nervousness when I ride with my trainer? I like her, but feel like I try too hard and end up making mistakes. I feel like I ride better when I’m just schooling my mare than in lessons. Any advice would be appreciated.
Nikko Answers… Dear Katie,
You just have to stop trying to impress people and just ride for yourself. If you just try to do your best, you’ll generally do better than if you go out to prove to someone how well you ride. Just remember, first and foremost, riding is supposed to be fun, so just treat it like that and I think you will be fine.
Question For Brianne From Kassidy,Va.
I heard that you sold Logan. If you did, why, and was it a hard decision? Are you going to do equitation next year?
Brianne Answers… Dear Kassidy,
I did sell Logan. Chelsea bought him so luckily he is still at Beacon Hill and I see him everyday. It was one of the worst days of my life, the day I decided that I had to sell him. However, I am glad that someone else gets the chance to own such a special horse. After you win a final, you can no longer compete in the class. The only class you can do if you win the final is the USET and you can only keep doing the USET until you have won 20 of the classes. Thus, I can still show in the USET. I miss competing a lot in the equitation—I love it!
Question For Brianne From Maggie, Gouvr Beach,
Brianne: A lot of people think of you as their idol. Does that put pressure on you at all, and how do you feel about that? If someone would like to accomplish what you have, what would be some advice you would give them?
Brianne Answers… Dear Maggie,
I am so flattered to be looked up to; I am not sure I’m deserving, though! I would say that although it is a lot of pressure to be looked up to, I try not to think about it. I just hope that I don’t let anyone down. My advice would be to always try your hardest in everything you do. Work as hard as you can and know what you want to accomplish.
Question For Brianne From Shelby,
Congratulations on winning all four finals! What was going through your mind as you entered the arena in the final round at the Maclay? I would be scared out of my mind! Did you think you were going to win? How has the win changed you life? I enjoyed watching you on “Horse Power.” I was so sad it was over. It’s my favorite show!
Brianne Answers… Dear Shelby,
I was standing fifth going into the final round, so when I walked into the ring I thought to myself that I had nothing to lose. Actually, I felt like I had an advantage, I could go for broke and really try to take chances with the course. I had no idea that I was going to win, and it came as a huge surprise! Winning the Maclay has made some things different. For one thing, I cannot compete in that class anymore. Thank you for watching the show, I am glad you liked it. Maybe Animal Planet will do a second season with new riders. I hope they do!
