Max Giles ‘21
Case Hummer ‘20:
Sydney Zebrowitz ‘19 has been horseback riding since she was four years old and has continued with this passion to this day. Equestrianism is a sport that many at EA know very little about. Training for competitions takes a lot of time, patience and love of animals. Zebrowitz has a lot of experience with this sport and loves the thrill she gets in competition.
Zebrowitz, who grew up in the city, loved the sport so much that she journeyed to the suburbs to compete in various tournaments and to train. She originally started riding on a pony and later started riding on a horse.
Zebrowitz competes in many tournaments that
are both local and out of state. Zebrowitz says that when she competes: “In tournaments the connection I make with the animal is priceless and the feeling as I fly through the air is exhilarating.” Equestrian competitions consist of riding and jumping the horse and one is judged based off of their form, etiquette, and dress. “The hardest part is making sure you do everything the judges are looking for.”
Photo courtesy of Sydney Zebrowitz‘19
Being a high-level competitor requires a lot of training and preparation. “I train all year every day, besides Sundays and Mondays, and must build up a lot of leg muscle to succeed in the competitions.” Although Zebrowitz trains very hard and has great skill, she still sometimes relies on superstitions. “One of my superstitions is wearing a special pair of my silky socks.”
Zebrowitz not only loves competing but she also loves the connection she makes with her riding companions, Doncor and Jasper. Her horse, Doncor, requires a more daunting, physical, and exhausting effort, while her pony, Jasper, is an easier and more laid-back ride. Her horses shape the way she rides and the lessons she is able to learn from them are reflected in her life outside of riding.
Zebrowitz believes the physical exertion is overlooked when it comes to riding. She claims riding is not only a sport but also an art that involves many factors ranging from important requirements, like staying on your horse, to little components, like being well dressed. Sydney states, “The sport takes extreme skill and strict dedication. Judges are very strict and know what they are looking for, which presents a bigger challenge.” Zebrowitz’s future competitions include the Mississippi Classic, Devon show, and the Florida Winter Classic.