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FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE SIDELINES MAY 2011 85

Sidelines: If you could compete in another riding discipline, what would it be?

RC: I love to jump! Not quite as much as dressage but I love just taking my pony out in the feld and having fun.

Sidelines: Have you had any challenging moments during your riding career?

RC: I have been bucked off so many times I can’t even count them. I have broken some bones and been scared out of my mind at times, yet for some reason I still get back on the young crazy horses and I love it! When I was little my ponies would always buck me off or try to take off.

Sidelines: Do you have any silly horse show rituals?

RC: My mom always tells me to have a smile on my face and a song in my heart. At frst I thought it was crazy but now it’s something that’s really important. As for what song is in my head when I am riding, it is just the last song heard that sticks in my head.

Sidelines: What do you tell yourself or your horse right before you go into the ring?

RC: I always tell my horse I love him

right before we go down the centerline. Rachel and Mouse with their awards at NEDA

Photo courtesy of Rachel Chowanec