KJ How did you start horseriding and know that was something you wanted to do?

FW My dad rode in Denmark for 16 years and he introduced me to it. So it was kinda like passing on a family tradition, and it made me feel like I was part of a legacy.

KJ How long have you been riding? How has your difficulty levels changed over the years?

FW Seven years. It never gets easier. There is a constant struggle of grasping skill and always being your best and it makes me feel like you never progress in the sport but in reality you do.

KJ What opportunities has riding given you that you wouldn’t have had?

FW To be happy and satisfied with my life and keep me motivated.

KJ What kind of competitions do you compete in? Do you ever get nervous before them?

FW Junior amatuer two foot and advanced equatation two foot six. Every single time I get nervous because there is always a lot of stuff on your mind. You have to show that you’re better than before. It’s also an opinionated sport so you never know how things are going to go.

KJ How does horse riding make you feel?

FW Riding my baby horse makes me feel like I am actually making something and improving the horse and giving it a choice to live it’s full potential.

KJ Is there a time you ever wanted to quit and why?

FW I’ve thought about quitting and giving myself a break because it can get old after a while. But I have never given up or wanted to because that would be a lot going down the drain.

KJ How many injuries have you had from horses, and how would you describe the feeling of falling of a horse?

FW I have chronic knee, hip, and ankle pain. I’ve gotten whiplash. My right and left shoulder have taken multiple tumbles. I get really bad cramps in my hands sometimes. Horse riding hurts. Falling off a horse gives you an adrenaline rush, but it doesn’t hurt my confidence to fall off.

KJ Is this something you would like to pursue in the future and if so, what exactly?

FW I don’t really know what I want to be. I want to be somewhere in line with horses. I would like to be a farrier (trim horse’s toe nails) or a horse chiropractor.

KJ How did you decide on what horse you wanted buy?

FW She was at a kill lot and had the confirmation for potential and had no injuries. She was young and cheap and sweet.

KJ What type of connection do you have with your horse Piper?

FW It’s a connection of trust. Of her trusting me and me trusting her to do the things I have taught her. It’s really like a friendship. I’m the only one who can pet her through her stall because she likes me more than anyone else.

KJ How does training her make you feel?

FW Accomplished and I feel like I am doing the right thing because my trainer compliments me a lot. It’s a learning process.

KJ Does the smell of the horses fade over time?

FW No but it becomes more pleasant. The smell of horses means horses and I like horses.

KJ What would riding a horse be like for someone who never has before?

FW Confusing and complicated. You have to completely speak a different language than them.Whenever a horse gives you an answer they think it is the right answer until you teach them differently.

KJ How do you believe horse riding has changed you as a person?

FW It makes you a lot more level headed and you think before you act. You’re a lot more gentle. I believe I have gotten a lot more tough too. I look for the little improvements in life cause that’s all that matters.

KJ What is the biggest obstacle you have faced when riding horses?

FW Knowing if I am good enough. Struggling to feel like I have improved.

KJ I know you moved schools to be closer to your barn and then moved back again. Do you ever regret that decision?

FW I don’t regret it because I would have been isolated from the people that care about me. However, I would be in a better place with horse riding. I have a balance of friends and riding. It worked itself out.