I fell in love with riding when I was just 5 years old. I had originally wanted to show jump but when I found out about reining, I was completely hooked. I started reining lessons when I was 12. Before that I would ride in my yard bareback and in a halter experimenting all sorts of maneuvers with my pony. I also participated in ranch riding and trail courses at our local Horseman’s Association. However, the very first time that I sat on a reining horse I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be. In the past three years of showing, my dreams started slowly becoming a reality.
This year, I will be focusing on showing my 5 year old gelding. I started showing him last year as a 4 year old. He only had schooling and was shown once prior to me showing him. Showing an inexperienced horse has been a challenge that has made me a better rider. I am excited about competing this year and continuing to work on my showmanship. Last year, I qualified and competed in the Rookie Division of the Run for a Million. It was such a learning experience and I was so proud of how my young horse competed on such a big stage.
I am currently enrolled at Maclay School, class of 2024. I was recently inducted into the National Honor Society. I am motivated to challenge myself academically while balancing the time commitment of riding and improving my showmanship skills. I have been improving my reining skills by exercising and riding multiple horses in my trainer’s barn under his guidance. I spent last summer working under my trainer’s guidance learning how to exercise and ride as many horses as possible with varying talents and abilities. I continue to take advantage of this opportunity. I feel so fortunate that my trainer is local, so I am able to ride every day after school. I am 5’3” and 125 pounds. I lift weights , work with a personal trainer and do a combination of pilates and yoga to stay strong and physically fit.
It would be such an amazing opportunity to ride and compete at the college level. I am eager to find the right team to ride for at the NCEA level. Reining has taught me the art of patience and the importance of work ethic. I am a hard worker and look forward to continuing to work hard to be the best student athlete that I can be. I look forward to committing to my future team!
~Payton Bundy