Taking the Leap

I usually make a strong effort to not make my column all about horses, but in reality, riding is the biggest part of my week beyond work. I began riding English almost 10 years ago and currently compete in the hunters and jumpers. The jumper division is new for me, and I am enjoying the challenge. Hunters are judged on style, while jumpers are judged on speed and accuracy (i.e., don’t knock down the poles). Think figure skating versus Formula One.

My horse is named Scarlett and she is a warmblood. I bought her when she was 5, and now she’s 8, which is young for a horse. She is really smart and, while a horse is a pet, it is also your partner. There must be a lot of trust between horse and rider.