Even though many high school students spend most of their time at school, learning, and participating in clubs and sports, some students find different ways to fill their free time.

One of which is senior, Caroline Johnston.

Johnston has been horse racing for over 9 years. She comes from a family of horse barrel racers, a lineage that has carried into her hobbies.

“Horse barrel racing gives you an adrenaline rush,” Johnston said. “it gives you more of a rush than normal racing,”

Caroline’s best friend Lauren Wiley explains how Johnston is always at the barn training and taking care of the horses.

“It is important for her also to spend time with the horse to develop a bond to be able to complete and work as a better team,” Wiley said.

Wiley also has watched Johnston compete at the St. Charles County Fair to watch and support her best friend doing the thing she loves.

“It even makes me happy knowing she is enjoying what she is doing,” Wiley said.

Senior, Olivia Plotnitsky, who is also involved in horse hunter/racer shows, knows best how to connect with a horse.

“I’ve learned that spending a lot of time with them (horses) besides riding is the key,” Plotnitsky said. “Taking care of them through many different ways and learning about them helps create a bond.”

On a broader scale, Plotnitsky’s horse hobbies have a major impact on her life as a whole.

“Horse showing affects my life in many ways by giving me new opportunities, new knowledge, and the ability to create many important relationships,” Plotnitsky said.

While horse riding may be a rewarding activity, Plotnitsky wants people to know that it’s not as easy as it looks.

“One thing I want people to know about horse shows is that it is not as easy as it looks and to not be quick to judge. It’s important to get familiar with the sport before judging or forming views,” Plotnitsky said.

It’s clear that while horse riding is a very fulfilling sport, it takes much time and effort.