Q: How long have you been an equestrian?

A: I have been an equestrian since I was six.

Q: How often do you go to the barn?

A: During the school year I go three to four times a week.

Q: What about in the summer?

A: I go probably four to five times a week.

Q: Do you like going to the barn?

A: Yes.

Q: Tell me about a competition you went to. What place did you get? Was the competition hard?

A: I took Tilly to her first competition two weeks ago and she got third place and sixth place. The competition was hard.

Q: What do you like most about horseback riding?

A: I like going to the barn and being alone with the horses because it’s not stressful, and I don’t have to deal with anyone else.

Q: Do you own a horse?

A: Yes.

Q: How long have you owned the horse?

A: I have owned her for a year and a half now.

Q: Have you owned any other horses?

A: No.

Q: What’s the name/breed of your horse?

A: Tilly. She is a Thoroughbred.

Q: What style do you ride?

A: English.

Q: Where’s the barn you go to?

A: I go to Hannaberry Farm in Crete, Illinois.

Q: Is it hard driving out there?

A: It’s only 15 minutes away.

Q: What got you into horseback riding?

A: I had a friend who actually had a birthday party at a barn. I went to the birthday party and I rode a horse and I just kept up with the lessons.

Q: What are you most proud of?

A: I am proud of how far Tilly has come because she’s only 6 years old and she’s got a lot of training in so, I’m proud of her.

Q: What stresses you out the most about it?

A: Competitions stress me out the most.

Q: Why do they stress you out?

A: A lot of people are watching you when you go in the arena and you go in there alone with your horse for five minutes of intense riding.

Q: So how do you overcome the stress?

A: I just try and calm myself down and try and not get worried about it.