Just horsing around
Written by Sarah Ross, Former Student on Monday, October 8, 2012
Snohomish High School contains an array of unique and talented students. Senior Emma Johnson has contributed to this in her own way.
In addition to her day to day life, Johnson has also taken up a hobby that some might just find to be a bit frightening. Johnson has been riding horses since “before she could walk”.
“Horseback riding is just part of who Emma is. Without it I really don’t think she would be who she is today.” Senior Marin Jacobson said.
Along with riding for fun, Johnson has also been successful in competitive horseback riding. There are many different types of events in riding competitions, as well as two main types of riding styles, Johnson participates in a Western styles event called barrel racing.
In barrel racing, riders direct their horses around three barrels, which are spread out in the shape of a triangle. Knocking over any of the barrels by the horse, or its rider, results in immediate disqualification. Riders must push the envelope in order to accomplish this task in as little time as possible.
“That girl is pretty great at not knocking down any barrels. She is just bomb at racing, and destroys everybody” Senior Katelin Harris said.
In a recent competition called Friday Night Lights, Johnson was recognized for her accomplishments in barrel racing. She won second place in the three D bracket, meaning she completed the race in about 18.5 seconds.
“I was just so honored and excited to be winning a prize at one of my favorite competitions. I was also really thankful for my supporters and my horse.” Johnson said.
Along with being recognized for her victory, Johnson also won a new jacket, and a head stall for her horse Enzo.
Out of all of the experiences she has had in her life, Johnson believes that horseback riding has been the most influential.
“It is such a great experience. I have learned responsibility, compassion, and self-awareness from riding. I don’t ever plan to stop riding, and there is no doubt that when I have kids, they will ride too” Johnson said.
