The equestrian lifestyle can be a brutal but beautiful thing. From waking up at four in the morning on a Saturday to get to a horse show; to the fulfilling feeling you get after a good ride.

Being an equestrian doesn’t mean you have a lot of money. It means you’re passionate enough to do anything for the sport. One thing is for sure, horseback riding is not easy.

Senior Hannah Gamble has been in the horse world for eight years and has seen it all. From her horse being injured for eight months due to a tendon tear in his left front foot, all the way to winning champion in a big class.

“Being an equestrian to me is about working hard at everything to be your personal best,” Gamble said. “One memory that stands out to me when I think about riding, is getting your horse all dressed up to show and winning first place in the highest jumping division. Becoming the champion made me feel confident in myself and it showed that if I put the work in I can accomplish anything.”

Junior Emily Beauto has been riding for almost seven years. She competes in Hunter Jumpers, where the horse and rider are judged on both flat and over fences.

“Every year I have competed with a new horse, therefore, every year I have to learn new techniques and almost start riding with a blank slate,” Beauto said. “However, I am fortunate enough to have amazing and supportive family and trainers to help me. One thing I’m proud of is winning first place in a big division with a 5-year-old mare named Hermione. I was proud that I was able to hold my own on such a green mare. Being an equestrian to me means following your passion; being a strong athlete that has gained the trust the trust of a 1,200 pound animal and to be able to do the unthinkable.”

Senior Jennifer Lammert has been riding for 13 years and even got the joy of getting her first horse at the age of 14. She is very dedicated in the sport and everything that comes with it.

“What being an equestrian means to me is having a love for horses, being actively involved in the sport and helping others find the love for horses too,” Lammert said. “However, riding is a very money driven sport and a lot of people you have to compete with have a lot more money. The biggest struggle is being competitive with them when I’m not as fortunate as them. One of my biggest accomplishments was when I was at a show this past summer and I won the derby which is a competition with various courses or jumps. Something I’ve had to learn is knowing you’re not going to be perfect, you have to be patient and take your time because you’re dealing with an animal that can’t communicate talk back to you and tell you how they feel.”

Horseback riding is a very intense sport and it’s not for the faint of heart. However for the few that are willing to step up to the plate and push themselves, you can accomplish anything you have your heart set on. If your looking to get into the horse world there are many different barns in the O’Fallon area that you can begin lessons at.

Down below are some local barns you can take lessons at:

Irish Fox Stables

Location: 10302 Hwy Dd, Wentzville, MO 63385

Phone number: (636) 398-6868

Great Griffin Farm

Location: 903 Schwede Rd, Wentzville, MO 63385

Phone number: (636) 398-4116

Baskin Farms

Location: 18124 Baskin Farm Dr, Glencoe, MO 63038

Phone number: (636) 458-5053