There’s a difference between riding a horse and partnering with one. Anybody can learn to sit in a saddle and steer. Fewer people learn to actually listen to the animal underneath them — and that’s the piece that takes years, not lessons.
Ava H. was seven years old at a Girl Scout badge event, sitting in a saddle for the first time, when she fell in love with horses. Seven years later, she’s competing in the hunter and jumper rings, eventing, interning as a riding instructor, and already planning the barn she wants to own one day. But talk to her for five minutes and it’s clear the competitions aren’t really the point — the relationship is.
I asked Ava about how it started, what’s been hardest to learn, and where she sees this going. Here’s what she told me.
How old are you and what grade are you in?
I am 14 years old and an incoming freshman.
When did you first know you loved animals? Were there other animals, or just horses?
I first found out I loved horses at a Girl Scout badge event when I was seven years old. We would get a badge in return for riding around on a horse and I fell in love as soon as I sat in the saddle. I have always loved any and all animals but horses have been the best to work and hang around with.
Was there a horse that started you on this journey?
Every single horse I’ve sat on from when I first started riding to now has taught me something new, but the horse that gave me all my foundational knowledge was a Quarter Horse I leased named Buck from my old barn. He was the biggest teddy bear and helped guide me through all my challenges that I had to overcome when I first started riding.
What is your favorite part of working with horses?
My favorite part of working with horses is the connection that you create with each one. They are such majestic and clever animals who each have their own unique personality, and it is amazing to see how these animals can interact with humans and create bonds.
What did you find was the most difficult thing to learn about horse care?
The most difficult thing to learn about horse care is how much goes into it behind the scenes besides just riding. This sport is so much more than just getting on and jumping a horse. You need to be able to identify what tack you need, how to tack up a horse, if they are hurt how to handle or identify the injury, how to groom or bathe a horse, and so much more. You need to be knowledgeable in so much before you are able to ride.
What was the easiest?
The easiest part of horse care is just spending time with them. Not only can you do this in many ways — grooming, hand grazing, or just sitting in their stall — it is the most efficient way to gain a bond, which is essential for a good partnership under the saddle.
Is there anything that surprised you?
It is surprising how much daily care goes into these animals. Before knowing much, I didn’t realize how much time goes into feeding, grooming, mucking stalls, and monitoring health, which all is important for a healthy and happy horse.
Do you currently have a favorite horse? Why?
My favorite horse right now is my horse Vienna. She has the biggest personality and challenges me in ways I have not been challenged before. She is also my first horse, which already creates a special bond between me and her.
What events do you currently compete in?
I currently am doing the 2ft hunters and equitation, as well as .65m jumpers with Vienna. I also do some Beginner Novice eventing. Vienna is what we consider a “green” horse, which means she is inexperienced, so we can not go super high right now. My goal with Vienna is to eventually do the 3’3″ hunters.
Do you think you would like to teach riding at some point?
I do teach other kids to ride right now. I am currently an intern and fill in for the other trainers to learn how to teach other kids how to ride.
Do your long-term goals involve horses, or is this just a hobby?
My long-term goals do involve horses. They include going pro and eventually opening my own barn to train horses and people alike.
Are there classes you can take in high school to support your passion?
I am taking an Agriculture class as well as a Business class to hopefully learn how to open my own barn!
What stands out most in talking with Ava isn’t the competition record — it’s how early she landed on something a lot of adult riders take decades to understand: horses aren’t equipment you operate, they’re partners you build trust with. Buck taught her that first, patiently, before she ever set a goal or entered a ring. Vienna is teaching her that same lesson again now, on a green horse’s timeline instead of a made horse’s. The riding is what you can put on a scoresheet. The partnership is what actually gets you there.
It’s the same shift I try to help pet owners make with their own animals — dog, cat, or horse — whether we’re working through a behavior issue or just building a better bond: the relationship comes first, and the performance follows from it, not the other way around.
Ava’s got a full plate ahead of her — more shows, more green-horse miles with Vienna, and eventually that barn of her own. We’ll be rooting for her.
Have a “first horse” or “first pet” moment of your own — the one that started it all? We’d love to hear about it in the comments.