By Cara Allison Klyn, IQHYA Reporter

With school back in session in August many of us are trying to juggle homework, projects, extra-curricular activities, sports, part-time jobs, and time with our horses. It’s a lot for us to accomplish during our youth careers. Then when we turn 18 and make our decisions for college or post-graduate employment we find ourselves wondering what part, if any, of our new obligations will include our passion for horses. Fellow IQHYA member Brittany Abernathy made the decision to choose a school that would allow her to pursue her love of horses and continue competing at the collegiate level. Brittany graciously answered some questions about her post high school decision to attend a school where she is a member of the collegiate equestrian team.

Brittany recently began her sophomore year at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Miami, Oklahoma. During her senior year of high school Brittany visited NEO A&M and instantly fell in love with the campus. She followed up her visit with a video showcasing her horsemanship skills which helped her earn a scholarship and a spot on the equestrian team. Brittany shared that anyone could try out for the team and members are leveled to even out competition. Brittany tested into the advanced level and quickly earned 36 points to move her into the open level which is the highest level to compete in. She views her scholarship as a work experience which pays her for her schooling and time with horses.

Practice usually is scheduled in the morning for two hours. Horses are gathered up, groomed, tacked, and warm-up by team members. Railwork and leg strengthening exercises get the members started during practice time. Then the team is split up into groups according to ability and patterns are practiced for competition. Team members also participate in team workouts at the gym three times per week. When competition day arrives team members will watch the horses as they are warmed up by the riders. At competition time riders are lead into the arena on horses they are unfamiliar with. Railwork is done first followed by completion of a horsemanship pattern. Competitors at the open level have the opportunity to then compete in reining as well. This opportunity is allowed only after six months of professional reining training given by NEO A&M. Every opportunity is given to team members to better themselves as riders.

Brittany acknowledges her favorite part of being on the team is getting to know many different people as well as having the challenge of riding horses she’s never seen before competition day. The ability to watch a new horse being warmed up and then getting on and performing the parts of the horsemanship class determines what a good ride could be. This is extremely different from Brittany’s preparation for classes at the AQHA shows.

Competing in equestrian events at the collegiate level is well worth the time, effort, and sacrifices of time at home for Brittany. Although it has its challenges with time management and maintaining a certain GPA to be able to compete Brittany has developed great, life-long friendships with teammates and has incredible respect for coaches. Her hard work and devotion to our sport is helping mold her career goals and aspirations. No matter what her competition score is this college decision will always be a win-win situation for Brittany Abernathy.

Brittany represented Iowa as an exhibitor at the 2016 AQHA Ford Youth World Championship Show this summer and will also participate in the All American Quarter Horse Congress National Youth Team Tournament as an Iowa team member.

Photo courtesy bar H Photography