Page 18 - 2013.Millard.North

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Luck I

Necessary

by Jusfin Deffenbacher
Amidst the patches of grass and dirt stands a towering jump for
equestrian rider Caleb Cooney The horse gains speed galloping
quickly, approaching the jump until finally it leaves the ground, cul -
minating in a perfect hurdle. For Cooney thi s is just an average
practice. However riding requires hour s of dedicated preparation.
"You have to put in a lot of hours riding your horse as well as on the
course with your trainer. I have to practice different jumping heights ,
as well as commanding my horse Practicing also entails developing
yourself as a rider not just your horse," Cooney said
Cooney's passion for riding horses developed when he attended
camp Pokamoke as a child Then , with the convincing of friends,
Cooney began to compete in the eighth grade
From that point on Cooney's passion for riding horses has been ever
present. From waking up early for competitions to making the daily
drive to Valley, Nebraska to practice, Cooney holds a renewed
interest for every jump.
"Equestrian jumping is a different experience every time , you don't
know how your horse will respond Also the people you compete
against change, as well as the courses and the jumps ," Cooney said
The other half of Cooney's team is his horse , Hem ingway. New to
the sport as well as Cooney, his horse is an important attribute to
his success.
"He is very important to me and we are just starting to bond and
I expect that we will excel in a lot of areas. You both get to know
each other on a personal level and it's nice to have a horse you can "One time some kid
trust and that will help you win competitions," Cooney said
pushed me over and
After clearing the jump , Cooney and his horse finish another day
my arm just twisted
of practice. But many are still to come because Cooney plans to
continue getting bock into the saddle for a long time. like that."
"Riding horses is fun. but it's even more exciting to compete. It's been
a passion of mine that I want to continue and maybe someday I will - Garrett Sacco, 11
be able to compete in the Olympics." Cooney said

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