Equestrian sports are often a mystery to those who were not raised around horses. There are flags and rails and bells, little hats, and some combination of horses running and jumping. But unlike most sports that are a battle of the individual head-to-head against an opponent, equestrianism is all about a symbiosis. The rider must cultivate a bond with their horses, and the horse and the rider alike must understand each other’s signals and limitations. Together, not against each other, the two players race and jump ever higher and faster towards excellence.
Since she was old enough to hold onto a saddle, Jessica Mendoza has spoken the language of horses. Her years of sport have led her to become the youngest British rider in forty years to make it to the Olympics, as well as earn innumerable awards and international recognition. She, like all equestrians but few other athletes, share her titles and successes with her beloved horses.
You started riding horses at 3 years old. What are your earliest memories with horses?
Riding my pony bareback in the garden with my parents leading me around.
Were you always competitive-minded when it came to horses or did the sport aspect develop later?
I was always competitive. I used to run and play hockey, winning was always very important to me. I think I got some of that from my dad.
Why did you choose show jumping over other equestrian sports like Dressage and Eventing?
I started off doing a bit of eventing and showing but the showjumping was always my love. I loved the height and the speed of the courses.
Equestrian sports are often a mystery to those who were not raised around horses. There are flags and rails and bells, little hats, and some combination of horses running and jumping. But unlike most sports that are a battle of the individual head-to-head against an opponent, equestrianism is all about a symbiosis. The rider must cultivate a bond with their horses, and the horse and the rider alike must understand each other’s signals and limitations. Together, not against each other, the two players race and jump ever higher and faster towards excellence.
Since she was old enough to hold onto a saddle, Jessica Mendoza has spoken the language of horses. Her years of sport have led her to become the youngest British rider in forty years to make it to the Olympics, as well as earn innumerable awards and international recognition. She, like all equestrians but few other athletes, share her titles and successes with her beloved horses.
You started riding horses at 3 years old. What are your earliest memories with horses?
Riding my pony bareback in the garden with my parents leading me around.
Were you always competitive-minded when it came to horses or did the sport aspect develop later?
I was always competitive. I used to run and play hockey, winning was always very important to me. I think I got some of that from my dad.
Why did you choose show jumping over other equestrian sports like Dressage and Eventing?
I started off doing a bit of eventing and showing but the showjumping was always my love. I loved the height and the speed of the courses.