Looking alert and sharply dressed in pressed riding gear, Erin Ryan, Jasper Breitenbach, and Cameron Elder idled their horses and kept a close eye on their coach, Susan Noble, for last-minute advice and encouragement.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe won\u2019t listen!\u201d Cameron said.<\/p>\n
A pair of horses misbehaved, leaning into each other for fun, side pushing and whickering.<\/p>\n
\u201cGo and curl her and make her mind you,\u201d suggested Coach Noble, and the horse responded, expertly brought under control by the young rider.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese kids practice four to five times per week in the summer,\u201d Noble says. \u201cThey\u2019ve done a tremendous job.\u201d<\/p>\n
English riding requires calm control, trust and correct position.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf the rider gets nervous, the horse will get nervous. They can sense fear,\u201d Noble says. \u201cYou overcome nerves and gain confidence with practice and going to shows.\u201d<\/p>\n
True to the amicable culture of the English, the young ladies have a very polite and proper manner.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s fun \u2013 a little more complicated than Western riding,\u201d said Erin, 15, from her horse, Stetson. \u201cIt\u2019s more challenging.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her dad, Daniel Ryan, smiled with pride.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s showing three horses. One was not enough. It takes a lot of self-discipline.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jasper seemed right at home on Robin, a lanky quarterhorse at 16.1 hands, and the 13-year old took first place.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve done better in English than showmanship,\u201d she said. \u201cI like it because you get to ride all day and watch each other ride with a judge. The trick is staying calm and relaxed; otherwise the horse will get nervous with you.\u201d<\/p>\n