by Katrina Vassell
We've all driven by the stables of Darien at some point, but juniors Annie Archibald (pictured top) and Nicole Williams (seen schooling her horse over a jump) have taken an intense interest in the sport of horseback riding. Archibald began riding when she was eight years of age and her mother discovered a summertime program at the local stable. Williams, on the other hand, began riding at her Rhode Island home and currently rides with Archibald in Darien.
Although the average DHS student is under the misconception that horseback riding is not a sport, the riding requires vigorous training of the leg muscles, core strength, and endurance. "You don't just sit on the back of the horse and do nothing" Williams said. Archibald added that a rider must maintain form or she will fall off-- and it's a long fall. "Riding is so difficult because not many sports involve controlling something that has a mind of its own. Just imagine trying to control your most obnoxious best friend. It's not easy," Archibald said.
Both riders described their sport as a lifestyle which requires commitment and dedication. A typical practice begins with working on technique. "We usually work on leg yielding. It's a walk, trot, or canter which involves a lateral side movement as you accelerate in a forward and sideways motion," Archibald said.
A major aspect of the sport is charity. Serving as a nonprofit rescue center, the local stable is the location of many fundraisers. Archibald and Williams will be participating in the NCMT show this March which places funds towards the rescue of animals.
While riding for an altruistic cause is rewarding in itself, the girls also compete at opens to earn points and medals. They both plan on continuing riding in college, and Archibald aspires to own her own barn in the future.
We've all driven by the stables of Darien at some point, but juniors Annie Archibald (pictured top) and Nicole Williams (seen schooling her horse over a jump) have taken an intense interest in the sport of horseback riding. Archibald began riding when she was eight years of age and her mother discovered a summertime program at the local stable. Williams, on the other hand, began riding at her Rhode Island home and currently rides with Archibald in Darien.
Although the average DHS student is under the misconception that horseback riding is not a sport, the riding requires vigorous training of the leg muscles, core strength, and endurance. "You don't just sit on the back of the horse and do nothing" Williams said. Archibald added that a rider must maintain form or she will fall off-- and it's a long fall. "Riding is so difficult because not many sports involve controlling something that has a mind of its own. Just imagine trying to control your most obnoxious best friend. It's not easy," Archibald said.
Both riders described their sport as a lifestyle which requires commitment and dedication. A typical practice begins with working on technique. "We usually work on leg yielding. It's a walk, trot, or canter which involves a lateral side movement as you accelerate in a forward and sideways motion," Archibald said.
A major aspect of the sport is charity. Serving as a nonprofit rescue center, the local stable is the location of many fundraisers. Archibald and Williams will be participating in the NCMT show this March which places funds towards the rescue of animals.
While riding for an altruistic cause is rewarding in itself, the girls also compete at opens to earn points and medals. They both plan on continuing riding in college, and Archibald aspires to own her own barn in the future.
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