Equestrian way of life

Lake County youth learn a sport that teaches responsibility

along with riding

POLSON - With snow blanketing the Mission Valley, one would think that this would be the offseason for the sport of equestrian. Not so much.

"There are very few days that they can't ride," trainer Wanda Rosatti said.

With about 15 consistent students of adults and kids, the only time they can't saddle up their horses is when it's bitterly freezing like the weather a few weeks ago.

"They have such long hair they sweat easily," Rosatti said. "You don't want to make them sick."

In colder temperatures, it's tougher for the riders to dry off their horses after activity in their unheated indoor training facility in Polson. However, if the conditions allow for the horses to be ridden safely and without risk of getting sick, the riders are there.

"They are all very committed," Rosatti said.

The sport of equestrian, which is sanctioned by the NCAA and the International Olympic Committee, is more than just about riding a horse. Much like rodeo, the riders have to take care of their horses and train on a constant basis. Many of the equestrian riders in the Mission Valley practice five times a week.

"They understand hard work," Rosatti said. "They understand that it can't be just when you feel like it."

Then there's the matter of competition. With events all over, it's a big financial commitment for the trans-portation of the horses to these events. Competitors can travel all over the state and to places in Washington, Oregon, California and Canada for competitions.

"For those that do it professionally, it's definitely a lifestyle," Rosatti said. "It's a much bigger sport than you think."

For some of the bigger events, the top prize can be a million dollars. How-ever, with the stakes high in competition, the difference can be razor thin with a half a second separating first and third place in some events.

"It can be very tricky and very technical," Rosatti said.

The rider in the sport has to know exactly where the horse needs to be to make a jump and has to approach each jump the right way.

Competitors walk the course before an event to get the right distances and pace off the horses' strides.

It's also a sport that requires teamwork between a human and a horse, some-thing that's very unique and rewarding.

"It's amazing to have a teammate in your horse," Rosatti, who also competes in the sport of equestrian, said. "You obviously can't communicate on a traditional level."

What it takes is hours of building trust with one another and understanding what one another is going to do. It also takes compassion and understanding when it's obvious there are going to be some good and bad days.

"When you work with a horse, it's not like it's a bike," Rosatti said.

While competition is intense, the equestrian community is much like the rodeo community where you build relationships with the other riders.

"We pretty much root for one another," Rosatti said. "The kids get very upset with themselves when they don't do well. You only have about 70 seconds to compete in an event."

Rosatti started training people for the sport as a favor and it kind of snow-balled. However, it's been a very rewarding experience for her.

"I like spending time with the kids and watching them be successful," she said.

With students coming in as young as third graders, Rosatti has literally seen her students grow up. She said one of the best moments is when she can see the light bulb go on when kids are training.

Equestrian horses are usually taller than rodeo horses, and there is the danger of falling, but Rosatti said it's probably better for people to start the sport at an early age since the fear of falling isn't as big and it won't affect their competitive composure.

The sport has taught these young kids responsibility, commitment and compassion.

"They take care of their equipment and horses," Rosatti said. "They groom, catch and saddle their own horses. The learn how to be responsible."

And the sport builds strength. Lots of it.

"The girls have beat the senior boys in Tug of War," Rosatti said.

That comes in handy when the rider needs to be confident in the saddle and showcase expert balance on a 1,200-pound animal that's 68 inches tall at the shoulder.

Rosatti trains riders from all over the valley and shows usually start in May although they're trying to branch out to go to other events. The high school students are trying to start a club at the Polson High School so they can be officially excused from school for travel.

"Equestrian riders have a good chance of competing in their sport professionally," Rosatti said.

And with many options of going to college for it, becoming a trainer and continuing to compete in the sport, it's something that many Mission Valley youth could be doing for the rest of their lives.