There are many different challenges when it comes to being on the equestrian team, having to ride and maintain a horse and keep yourself calm and focused is not easy. Eve Wagner is a freshman and is on the equestrian team, and she faces many challenges that are very difficult to deal with both mentally and physically.

”One time I fell off in a competition and it was so awkward,” Wagner said “My saddle fell off and I just stood there for 10 minutes in front of the judge and fixed my saddle. My confidence was ruined and so was my positive mindset, I was just so frustrated in myself,” Wagner said. 

Wagner expressed that while a skill is mentally challenging, it’s also physically challenging to stay up on the horse and not make any mistakes. For example, falling off because of how many points would be deducted. 

“When I learned saddle seat it was very stressful, it’s completely flat and so hard to balance on especially when my horse is going fast,” Wagner said. 

When you’re doing a pattern in a competition it’s just you and the judge. Wagner has expressed that it’s all about your mindset going into it. You don’t want to be too stressed or negative or else you will most likely make a mistake. 

“It’s so hard when my horse doesn’t cooperate especially when it’s a pattern it just me and the judge and they can see everything you’re doing wrong and it’s very stressful and messes up my confidence and mindset so much,” Wagner said.