80 SIDELINES NOVEMBER 2014
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
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what I want and to never give up. She’s responsible for getting me
back in the equitation ring.
What moment/experience in your development as a rider
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jump counts. I was no longer responsible for myself, but for my team
as well.
How do you deal with nerves or anxiety?
I usually ride well under pressure but I always make sure I have my
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What does your training week look like?
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hacking and one day of grid work. They get to jump big enough at
horse shows so I let them relax when they’re at home.
Do you do any physical training outside of riding horses?
I get to the gym as often as I can, but when I’m not at the gym or
the barn I’m at the physical therapy facility. I had a pretty bad fall at
Thermal this year and I’m doing physical therapy mostly on my left
shoulder.
How do you juggle school and riding?
School is a big struggle for equestrians. That’s still something I
haven’t completely balanced out with riding.
What advice do you have for young junior riders wanting to
follow in your footsteps?
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for the stars. If you have the raw talent and put in the work, people
will recognize that. Also, take every single opportunity possible
because the only things I regret are the opportunities that I didn’t
take.
What do you want to do with your riding in the future?
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hopefully turning professional. I’ll follow after my role model, trainer
and friend, Jill Humphrey.
About the writer: Sophie St.Clair is a high school sophomore from Southern
California. She has an interest in the psychology of high performance athletes. She
is also a Junior Ambassador for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles where she works
to raise funds and awareness for the hospital. Sophie is working toward becoming a
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Peyton Warren and Lysander 99 at Sonoma Horse Park
Photo by Deb Dawson
