How they’ll be going back to school and their fall plans
Samantha, 13 Years Old
Going back to school, I originally chose a hybrid option, but our district is having us start back with distance learning. The nice thing about distance learning is that I can go out and see my pony when my mom goes to the barn during the week. Otherwise, when we’re back in school, my pony time is mostly on the weekends.
My favorite thing that I look forward to in the fall are hunter paces. They are these cool trail rides with fun jumps along the way, and it’s a great opportunity to ride with my coach and friends and try new things. My favorite one is a Halloween-themed one, where our group dresses up in costumes, and our horses and all the obstacles are Halloween-themed. I love it!
Adalyn, 10 Years Old
I’m planning on starting school in person this fall. It has been difficult doing school at home for me, but I successfully got through the last three months of online schooling. I look forward to being in a classroom, where it’s easier for me to focus on the task at hand.
I try to manage horses and schoolwork in the most efficient way possible. I make sure I complete all my schoolwork before I go to the barn, and if not, I get it done as soon as possible when I get home. It can be a challenge trying to get enough time in at the barn and not being able to go all day like I was doing in the summer.
Ellie, 10 Years Old
We are still waiting for news on what our school year is going to be like. I’m hoping that we will get to go back full time, because I’m going into sixth grade, and I want the full experience of middle school. Finding time to ride during the school year hasn’t usually been an issue. I mostly ride on weekends.
I’m looking forward to starting at a new barn this fall. My riding instructor is not currently giving lessons, so I have been checking out other barns in my area. I’m excited for a fresh start in riding!
Annette, 12 Years Old
I’m planning on doing in-person school this year, and there will be many rules on social distancing. During the school year, I find time to ride my horses after school. I have an Icelandic Horse and a Mustang, so I ride one each day.
This fall, I’m looking forward to the next gymkhana and will be riding my mom’s horse at that event. In October, there’s a fundraiser for New Mexico Mustangs where I will ride my 3-yearold Mustang. It’s a trail ride and an obstacle course, and we have lunch in between. All my friends go, and I always have a good time.
Teagan, 11 Years Old
My school just announced that we will be doing virtual school from home. I’m a little disappointed since I won’t get to see my friends, but I also feel safer this way. I’m also happy that I get to spend a lot more time with my horses since I’ll be home.
This fall, I’m really looking forward to doing some Equine Trail Sports (ETS) rides. They’re 6-mile trail rides with six obstacles that you’re judged on. I’m hoping to win a buckle someday! They’re a really fun experience and a great way to challenge yourself and bond with your horse.
Samara, 14 Years Old
I’m looking forward to riding and training horses this fall. I’m also looking forward to a trail ride with my grandfather when the COVID risks have decreased.
I am homeschooled, so when there is an event or lesson I want to attend, I get to schedule school time around it with my mom. Sometimes I do my schoolwork at the barn. It’s always calming and motivating when there are horses by my side!
Caroline, 11 Years Old
I hope to go back to school in person. I’m starting middle school, so I want to be able to see the school and meet some new friends. I will need to have good time management so I can still go to the barn and get all my homework done.
I’m looking forward to the IEA season this year, and also hopefully continuing to half-lease Melvin.
My goal for this year is to start jumping 2'6", and I’m also looking forward to the upcoming shows, like our barn’s Halloween show!
Julie, 15 Years Old
I will be doing school remotely for the foreseeable future. For me, online learning isn’t the easiest, much fun or fulfilling. My parents are amazing about helping me prioritize barn time, since it makes me happy and gets me out of the house.
I’m fortunate enough to go to a school that has a fantastic equestrian center on campus, so it makes it easier to fit riding into my day. Additionally, riding fulfills the sport requirement at my school. This fall, I’m looking forward to doing some small schooling shows, working on jumping, continuing to improve my flat riding, and helping out with a small camp at my barn!
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