Galloping into the Spotlight

Ann Petty, reporter/photographer

Eleventh grader,Sydney Horton, when not working on her studious work, hits the stables and throws on the saddle to show off her equestrian skills.

Horton started horse jumping when she was four years old. Her grandparents, who just rode horses, got her into horse racing. She started off riding Westerns and barrel racing but worked her way to where she is now- a champion.

Horton has won several competitions at Estill Springs and Hillsboro. Competition classes include hunter, jumper, and cross-country. Horton is a hunter which means she is judged on how well she rides and her appearance.

When I first joined the IA Team last year, which is our jumping team, it was my very first show. I was freaking out, so all the other girls helped me get ready, and I actually got thrown off — you get placed on a random horse. You’ve NEVER ridden that horse before– [sic]. They all got me cleaned up and ready for our next competition. So, I made a lot of friends that day.

— Sydney Horton

Horton added that anyone can get into horse jumping, but staying in it, once they get thrown off the horse, is hard.