by Maxwell Hauptman

Lamoine, Maine — Dance and gymnastics seem hard enough, given the physical strength, flexibility and coordination demanded. Now picture doing both on the back of a moving horse.

Through Aurora Vaulters, their nonprofit organization, mother and daughter Deb and Cynthia Andrews coach the international equestrian sport at Starlight Horse Farm off Route 184 in East Lamoine.

Their “gentle giant” Rosie, a 13-year-old draft horse, serves as the firm platform for these equestrian gymnasts to execute the mount, basic seat, flag and other compulsory moves.

“Equestrian vaulting is gymnastic dance performed in harmony with a moving horse,” said Deb. As the lunger or trainer, she uses a longe line (a French term meaning long tether) to guide Rosie around a 15-meter circle.

Read more: Equestrian Vaulting is Finding a Foothold Among Children

Some people have success handed to them and some have to work for it; Martha Josey has had to work harder than most.

Martha grew up in a small town in East Texas. Her father was one of the first presidents of the American Quarter Horse Association. He had a great passion for horses and taught her how to ride at a young age. Together, they would ride through the cornfields and pastures. These experiences nurtured Martha’s early love for horses. Then tragically, when Martha was 10, her father died suddenly of a heart attack.

In the aftermath of his death, Martha’s mother sold all but one of the family’s horses. Years later, a teenaged Martha attended a rodeo and felt inspired to compete in barrel racing.

Read more: The Making of a Barrel Race Champion

by Lisa El-Ramey

Despite how it might feel with their eyes upon you in the show ring, the judge is actually your ally as an equestrian: Lisa El-Ramey, USEF Senior “S” judge, shares her expertise.

You are ready to go to your first horse show, or maybe you have been to a few. You have prepared yourself and your horse. You have all the right tack, the right clothes, everything is clean, and you are ready… or are you?

Before you enter the show you have one more step to complete: it is important to know what horse show to enter. Not all horse shows are equal, nor should they be. Most riders begin their show careers at a local show facility or farm, at what is widely known as an open show. These competitions are generally attended by local barns and competitors, managed by the local riding club or stable, judged by mostly local judges or trainers, and offer a wide array of classes in western, hunter/jumper, saddleseat, and possibly, dressage.

From these humble beginnings, riders improve their skills and work their way up to their first “rated” show. These competitions are rated by the equestrian organizations that administer them. This could be the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), breed or discipline specific organization, or the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA). The USEF oversees many riding disciplines, as well as most breeds. The AQHA is American Quarter Horse specific and while they offer most riding disciplines at their breed specific competitions, entry is limited to Quarter Horses.

Read more: Three Ways the Judge Can Be Your Ally

by Kathy Farrokhzad

You might have liked horses all your life.

Or you might have had an awakening not too long ago that is urging you to explore horseback riding for the first time.

You can't tear your eyes away from the sight of glowing coats and rippling muscles.

You get excited every time you drive by horses in a field.

Contrary to your friends, you even like the smell of a barn!

And now, you know you are ready to take the first steps on the long road of becoming an equestrian. You've booked riding lessons at a local barn and you are convinced that you are ready to tackle the learning curve that lays ahead. Before you begin, here are nine tips to smooth the way into your new adventures!

1. Be prepared to be a beginner - for a long time!

Once you step into that stirrup for the first time, forget all about instant gratification. Instead, get all pumped up for the accomplishment of doing something for the long term.

Don't worry if your fingers fumble when putting on the bridle. Have no worry when the horse gives you a knowing look out of the corner of his eye: "This one is a beginner!" Just take the plunge into new feels, new learning curves and new coordination. It's all about the joys (and challenges) of being on the path.

2. Every horse has something to teach you.

Read more: 9 Things You Need to Know if You Want to Ride Horses