Being an Equestrian Makes You an Athlete

Being on a NCAA Division One Equestrian Team is nothing to take lightly. We are up early in the morning working out just like every other sports team. People do not seem to understand the dedication an equestrian has for the sport. We do not get to wake up and run around for a couple of hours and go home. We have an entire other being to take care of, one that does not speak our language. The endless hours that are put into bonding with an animal that is ten times our size. The risk we take every time we throw a leg onto the other side. We make controlling them look effortless when they could kill us a single move. The blood, sweat, and tears that are shed for even the slightest chance to step into the ring on show day. So, yes, I consider equestrianism a sport, and a very hard one at that.