By AVERY HOBSON
I’ve been riding and showing since I was four years old. Horses have been my whole life from the very beginning. When I was seven, I got my first pony—HF Fools Gold (“Nilla”), a 13hh, 4-year-old green Welsh pony. She was young, I was young, and we learned together. We started in the Short Stirrup and eventually moved up through the Children’s Pony divisions, competing at both local and rated shows.
Along the way, I had the opportunity to work with many different trainers and a few USEF judges who helped shape the rider I’m becoming. This past spring, I leased Nilla to a little girl in North Carolina–where she’s now happily doing the Short Stirrup with her new best friend–and in February, I traveled to the World Equestrian Center (WEC) – Ocala, with the barn where I boarded Nilla, just to watch my friends, since I couldn’t afford to bring my pony.
While I was there, I got the chance to catch ride for the very first time. That weekend, I rode six different ponies and horses; an experience that was both fun and challenging, I completely fell in love with it.
My first catch ride was on a large green pony. At certain jumps, he would hesitate and flick his ears back, so I softened my hand, shifted my weight slightly, gave him support with my leg, and talked to him to help him move forward. Riding all different types of horses and ponies gives me the satisfaction of helping them learn and grow, and I like to talk to them in the show ring. Once they start listening to your voice, they soften and pay closer attention to your aids, and it’s the best feeling.
I noticed how this pony responded when I stayed calm and consistent, and how small adjustments could make a big difference. By the end of the round, even though our jumps weren’t perfect, he moved more confidently. That single show taught me more about timing, feel, and communication than months of regular lessons—and it’s knowledge I carry into every ride.
Experiences like this are what help young riders like me grow in the sport. Getting opportunities to ride a variety of horses and learn from different trainers gives me the chance to improve my skills, build confidence, and become a more versatile and capable rider. I’m constantly working to prove myself and show that I can handle new challenges and help every horse I ride succeed.
Since that first week at WEC, I’ve had the opportunity to ride around 36 different horses and ponies for roughly 25 trainers. Each new ride teaches me something different—how to adapt, believe in myself, and bring out the best in every horse. I’m also a working student, which has given me the chance to learn the behind-the-scenes side of the industry and the effort it takes to make everything happen.
While I don’t currently have a horse of my own, I’ve learned that determination and effort can open doors just as wide, so I work hard, make connections, and say yes to every opportunity that comes my way.
My dream is to continue growing as a catch rider, earn more opportunities in the show ring, and one day compete in the Big Eq as a junior. No matter where I am or what horse I’m riding, my goal stays the same: to keep learning and improving, and show that dedication can go just as far as money.
About the Author:
Avery Hobson is a 14-year-old hunter/jumper and equitation rider and working student from Pennsylvania. She rides for her IEA team and has goals of competing in the Big Eq as a junior.
