![Freshman Avery Bromberg gets ready to practice jumping hurdles with her horse, Blue. “It was fun [to start jumping] from the beginning because my trainer won’t let you start at the top, she’ll make you go all the way down,” Bromberg said.](https://whshoofprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IMG_2820-1200x900.png)
As freshman Avery Bromberg and her 18-year-old horse, Blue, approach the cavaletti, a type of raised rail that is used for horse jumping, Bromberg concentrates on maintaining a good stride and a clear mindset. Rein in hands, she leans forward as her horse jumps and lands on the other side smoothly. Bromberg straightens her posture, circling back around the arena with the victory of another successful jump in her mind.
Bromberg has always practiced Western riding, a riding style that focuses on practicality with riders using heavier and bigger saddles. However, Bromberg started learning English riding two years ago, a different style that uses lighter saddles with emphasis on discipline and coordination. The wide range of styles and opportunities in the sport has brought immense joy to Bromberg.
“[Horseback riding] is really fun and you have a good connection with the animals. It can be relaxing in a less competitive environment. But when show season starts, it gets to a faster pace and practice becomes more technical,” Bromberg said.
Although horseback riding is time-consuming and expensive, Bromberg dedicates time to it every week and enjoys the unique experiences it offers. She takes English jumping lessons one to two times a week on her trainer’s horses and one Western lesson per week on her horse. In addition to lessons, Bromberg practices five days a week for an hour.
“I don’t really do any other sports so riding consumes all [my time],” Bromberg said. “It gives you a bigger perspective on how things are like in other sports. You have to actually spend time with your animal and take care of them.”
For Bromberg, horseback riding is more than a hobby. About two years ago, she started competing in the Jumpers and the Hunters category, a riding style in which riders are judged by their accuracy to maintain proper form. Bromberg managed to place in several competitions including her most recent Hunters show last November, with her highest placement being first out of the eight contestants. Currently, she is preparing for her upcoming February show season, where she’ll be competing in the jumpers section.
“When you do stuff as a hobby, it gets to a point where you’ve pretty much done everything,” Bromberg shares. “Competing makes me feel more [motivated] to do it and not just like I’m doing it for fun. It has more of a purpose.”
Since her grandparents gifted Bromberg her first horse when she was 5 years old, her deep passion for the sport has been prominent in her everyday life and acknowledged by her family and friends. Throughout Bromberg’s riding journey, Blue has played a significant role in her progress and growth. Bromberg hopes to compete with him during the upcoming show season.
“We’ve done pretty much everything [together]. I’m just starting to [compete with] him this year, hopefully, he does well so we can move up to the higher classes. So far, he’s doing good,” Bromberg said. “Blue is silly, but he will do anything I ask if he trusts that I can take him through the obstacles. I have gained patience and [an understanding] of how the whole [riding] industry works [through our relationship].”
Despite the benefits riding has provided, Bromberg has also encountered multiple obstacles in competitions and online equestrian platforms. For instance, she disapproves of how easy horseback riding is portrayed on social media. In addition, Bromberg has faced personal challenges that have prevented her from advancing in her sport.
“Sometimes, my horses get hurt and I have to take time off. Or I’ll get a mental block and won’t feel like I want to do it for a while. Usually, it blows over,” Bromberg said. “[Riding has] consumed everything I’ve done. It relates to everything and it would be hard to give up.”
While Bromberg strives to improve and advance in her jumping and riding skills, she values her place in the equestrian community and enjoys meeting new people with the same passion as her.
“I have to interact with a lot of people for the competitions, so it’s hard to hang out with the friends that I’ve made there. [In the end], it’s just about having fun, [experiencing] it with your team and hanging out [with everyone],” Bromberg said.
