Equestrian

Day 2: Something you're good at or know a lot about.

Here's the thing- in all honestly I feel like I'm decent at most things, I don't mean that in a condescending way but I was luckily enough to be athletic, have common sense and for the most part am well educated. So because I'm decent at alot of things I don't think I'm an expert at alot. I have lots of interest and random knowledge (I can name all Disney movies, characters, songs, and probably non relative Disney trivia) However my biggest passion most of my life has been horseback riding or more correctly equestrian. Now, I know what your thinking:

 

                                                                            Or

And now horseback riding can encompass both of theses images, its not what I do. I ride hunter/jumper- 

I started when I was 8 and learned the basics of a horse. Everything from how to measure a horse which is in hands, which is 4 inches (per hand) or that horses have multiple gaits for different disciplines. For example for Western Pleasure, its walk, trot and loop. For English- its walk, trot, working trot, and canter. I learned how to ride without stirrups which builds muscle strength and also is uncomfortable the next day. Also almost everyone who doesn't ride assumes you take a horse to a fence and it just jumps it. Not true. Riding is all about looking like you're sitting there when in fact you're constantly giving the horse commands thru your hands, legs and seat (butt). Jumping requires both horse and rider to be in sync to see the same distance (or take off point) as each other. Its geometry and seeing the angle of which you take off and if you'll clear the fence in front of you. Yes, I've been thrown, and yes I've scared my mom to death a few times but I always got back on. 

Equestrian is in the Summer Olympics and it brings some of the biggest household names. Bruce Springsteen's daughter rides, so does the heir to Firestone tires. Prince Harry and Williams' cousin also rides for England. Its expensive, to the point of absurdity. The best horse's in the world go for over six figures and its not uncommon for some of the best riders to have multiple horses. Regardless of the price most riders do it not for the ribbons, or possible medals but for the feeling of being on the back of a huge animal and knowing you can complete something as one. It's amazing- and if you ever get the chance to try it TAKE IT.