oliviacrews

The Pensacola Equestrian Center is home to horse shows, dog shows, festivals, and even go-cart racing. For me, its home to memories with my horses, friends, and family. I have been riding for about seven years and have been showing at the equestrian center since I started riding. I’ve gone and made countless memories there, from my first 1^st place to my first last place. To falling off and riding some of the best times I have ever rode. Some memories are not even riding related but with my friends when we would run off and jump the foot jumps or watch rounds, placing our bets on who would win the class.

The two main associations at the equestrian center are Pensacola Hunter Jumper Association and Coastal Hunter Jumper. Each association does five to seven shows a year, I do as many as I am able to do. At the end of the year, if you win enough points, there is a banquet where you get ribbons and prizes for how well you have done throughout the year. Not only do I compete at the shows, but I also enjoy photography which has led me to taking action shots of the riders in my free time at the shows. Sometimes I will end up going to a show just to take pictures of everyone but especially my friends.

One of my favorite memories I have from the equestrian center was last year in April. I brought my horse, alongside my best friend at my barn who brought her horses. It was one of the first shows of the year and we weren’t expecting anything more than having a good time with everyone. The class that I competed in was the biggest class that I had done with that horse at that time. I also got to compete with my friend in the class, which was the first time we ever competed together. We didn’t care if we placed high, we just both wanted nice, clear rounds with no fits, and we got all that and more. She brought home champion and I was right behind her, winning reserve champion. I was ridiculously proud of me and my friend but more importantly our horses. To date, that weekend is one of the best weekends ever!

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