Lamar Student Finds Success as Equestrian
There are many students who love sports, but never quite find their place on a school team. They venture into club sports, recreational organizations and such.
When Sophie Greer was just a small child – she knew that she wasn’t a sports person. “I tried soccer, but I knew immediately that it wasn’t for me,” the Lamar sophomore laughs. “Coach would say Sophie, you’re on the bench and I would get so excited.”
At eight years old, Greer expressed an interest in horses. Her mom supported the spark she saw in her inquisitive daughter and enrolled her in a Horseback Riding Summer Camp shortly before she began third grade.
The first time she mounted a horse – it felt so natural. The horse was named Prince and Greer vividly recalls the immediate bond formed with the Appaloosa, a popular American horse breed.
The 16-year-old has enhanced her skills and formed a sincere affinity for horses over the years. In April, Greer traveled to St Louis, Missouri to compete in the National Competition for the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA). She placed fifth in the Dressage Flat Class.
Learning to care for a horse is no easy feat. One doesn’t simply pick out a horse, mount said horse and automatically compete as an equestrian. Greer has spent a great deal of time and energy working with trainers and learning her way around the barn.
Twice per week, she leaves Lamar and heads to the Green Oaks Equestrian/ Small Side Farms. Practice consists of a walk, trot and canter (training for the horse while the rider is on top) routine. The process can be very challenging. Greer practices for one hour and then takes care of the horse by brushing hair and feeding.
While she doesn’t yet own a horse of her own, Greer would love to own a thoroughbred one day. As for now, her trainer has afforded her the amazing opportunity to develop a bond with her horse for competitions and beyond.
“I’m super grateful to have found my happy place with horseback riding,” Greer shares. “I’ve developed so many bonds and even met my best friend at the barn. My ultimate dream would be to make it on a collegiate equestrian team.”
