Barbara Merryman ’13 and Hannah Williams ’12 are equestrians who work with and show horses year-round. They love everything about being equestrians, from meeting new people to bonding with their horses. It is a grueling sport which requires dedication and passion. As they travel around the country, their hearts are always in one spot- being an equestrian.
Q: Explain what exactly you do as an equestrian.
A: Barbara: As equestrians, we ride, take care of, and work with the horses. I have been riding since I was three years old and have reached the national level. I mostly catch ride horses for other professionals, rather than competing my own. This makes it extremely intense, as numerous junior riders are going head to head in hopes of getting the best mount. I don’t think people understand what a grueling sport it is or how much effort it takes to get to the top.
Hannah: An equestrian is someone who rides and shows horses. I ride about 6 days a week and am very dedicated to the sport.
Q: Have you ever gone anywhere special for a competition?
A: Barbara: I travel almost every weekend to compete. We travel across the whole country showing, from Florida all the way to California.
Hannah: The most special competitions would be at the end of the year. At the end of the showing season, there are end of the year finals, they are commonly known as Indoors. Indoors are a series of four shows located in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington DC and Kentucky. During the show season, most riders go to Florida for the Winter Equestrian Festival or Ocala. Then, during the summer there are shows in Vermont and Lake Placid which last for several weeks.
Q: What is your favorite part about it?
A: Barbara: I like the thrill of it, especially as the jumps get higher. I also enjoy getting to know the horses and being able to meet so many new and interesting people.
Hannah: My favorite part about riding is the bond that you can have with your horses. I really have a strong partnership with my horses. I love them and want the best for them. To equestrians, horses aren’t just animals that we ride, they are our best friends too!
Q: What kinds of competitions do you do?
A: Barbara: I compete in the USEF circuit, year round, which is open to riders that are nationally ranked. It is the top circuit which riders can compete on.
Hannah: I compete on the A-rated show circuit which also includes AA and AAA shows. These shows are also known as USEF rated shows. These show host the most advanced classes with the best riders in the country and even Europe.
Q: How long have you been doing it?
A: Barbara: I have been riding basically my entire life, and began competing at age 6.
Hannah: I’ve been riding since I was 2 years old, so 15 years. My mom rode when she was younger, and she became a trainer, so riding is in my blood.
Q: When were you most proud of yourself at a competition?
A: Barbara: I was most proud of myself when I went around clear for the first time in the junior jumpers. It was a huge accomplishment because I was initially terrified to jump so high, but it was exhilarating once I cleared the last fence.
Hannah: I was most proud of myself during the end of the year finals this year. I won a well known Maryland Equitation Final called the MHSA Hunt Seat Medal. Winning this final proved that my hard work and sacrifices over the years have paid off.
Q: Can you see yourself doing this in college?
A: Barbara: I will absolutely continue riding during college, as I hope to go to the Olympics.
Hannah: I will be riding during college. I have not decided on the school, but I will be riding for a Division-1 Equestrian Team next fall.
Being an equestrian takes a lot of hard work and dedication according to Hannah Williams and Barbara Merryman. The two upperclasswomen spend their time working with their horses and competing all over the country. They put their all in the sport and hope to continue to thrive in it in the future.