Student Spotlight: Riding Through Life
Research shows that there are several health benefits a person can experience from riding horses. Some of these benefits include:
Good exercise. Core strength. Improved posture. Muscle tone. Stable strength. Balance and co-ordination. Mental state.
At the same time interacting with horses can also provide some mental benefits as well. This past month we spent some time with a few students that are involved with the sport of equestrian trying to learn more about how their sport has impacted their lives:
Morgan Binkowski (senior)
Kendall Green (junior)
Leah Jasky (senior)
Kristianna Walters (junior)
When did you first start riding and how did you first get involved in it?
Binkowski - When I was maybe 7 or 8. My aunt lives next to us and so we would always be over there and I just loved riding her horses and kept with it.
Green - I started riding when I was 4 years old. I first fell in love with the sport when we took a family vacation to my uncles house in Montana and I got on a horse then never wanted to get off so when I got back to Michigan I took lessons.
Jasky - I started riding at the age of 6. My dad walked into a barn, signed me up for lessons and after my first lesson I wanted to buy a pony.
Walters - I started when I was 12. I got involved because I didn’t want to be a competitive gymnast anymore and I always loved horses.
How much time do you spend training each week?
Binkowski - During the summer I have a lot of shows so I’ll spend 2-3 hours everyday at the barn, but then when show season is over, I’ll be there maybe 2-3 times a week.
Green - I try to go to the barn every day but if I can’t then every other day.
Jasky - Almost every day. Lessons are 3 times per week with about 3-4 hours at a time at the barn.
Walters - I spend about 12 hours a week actually riding. In addition to riding, I am responsible for cleaning and caring for my horses, tack and keep myself and my horses in shape. When not at school or doing homework I am at the barn.
Is it difficult to balance schoolwork and riding?
Binkowski - Not really. I just have to make up a lot of work and tests and take off school a lot.
Green - It’s very difficult because sometimes I have to miss school to travel or late night practices, so school is difficult to fit in too.
Jasky - Not really, all my teachers have been amazing supporting me with it and this sport has taught me time management very well.
Walters - Yes, especially the days I have been packed with things to do in school and at the barn. It takes a lot of focus, discipline and dedication to be a strong student.
Where do you ride and do you belong on any teams or clubs?
Binkowski - I ride at my aunt’s farm and I am in a 4-H club called “Boots and Spurs” and part of the Appaloosa Horse Club.
Green - I ride at North Pointe Farms and I am a part of Eisenhower’s Equestrian team.
Jasky - I ride at Ascend Equestrian in Oakland Twp. I do not belong on any teams or clubs because I am an individual competitor.
Walters - I ride for Empire Farms. It is a public barn where we board, train and compete from. I compete locally for the Hunter Jumper of Michigan (HFAM) and nationally for the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).
Do you own your own horse and what are the advantages or disadvantages of a horse?
Binkowski- We have three of them. The advantages are you can train them how you’d like too and not to have to worry about someone else interfering. The only disadvantage is it’s a lot of work and time consuming.
Green - I own my own horse, his name is Phillip. There are a lot of advantages to owning your own horse. You learn, grow together as partners and the bond is so strong when you have your own horse. The disadvantage is they are your personal bank drainer, require a lot of work, time and money. I call him my “money pit” because we spend so much money on him monthly.
Jasky - I have my main horse Conrad then I have a pony named Rory. The advantage is having a best friend to help you with your worst days. I don’t see any disadvantages.
Walters - Yes, I own my own horse. An advantage is that you bond with them and that we become a team together. A disadvantage is that they depend on you and sometimes when you want to do something else you can’t because your horse comes first.
What is the biggest blessing you have received being a part of the equestrian community?
Binkowski- Learning the responsibilities and lessons in life. All the people I’ve met and relationships I’ve created have shaped me to who I am. It really teaches you how to handle stress and certain situations, even when things get hard. I’ve been able to travel a lot and impact people on the way.
Green - The biggest blessing was learning how hard it really is. Everyone thinks it is so easy, but it’s not even close to easy. I’ve been blessed with my parents who are always by my side, my trainer and my team. This is a very humbling sport, I love what I do. I also get to help train horses and teach kids how to ride.
Jasky - I’ve made life long friendships and connections. I have been exposed to being a D1 Equestrian Athlete and possibly committing to a D1 college. I have learned to care for and love an animal that most people either fear or are cautious about.
Walters - The biggest blessing I have received is all the life lessons of dedication, patience, giving back and that is 90% attitude and the rest will take care of itself.
