Carla Echavarría, an 11th-grade student at the Columbus School, is also a show jumper who balances schoolwork and the responsibilities that come with being an equestrian. She has been jumping since 2011 six days a week and spends between one to two hours each day training. “It’s hard to balance everything, but as my mom has always told me, where there’s an attitude, there’s a way,” said Carla Echavarría, an 11th-grade student.Echavarría participated in a practice competition in Medellin at the beginning of the year 2024, on January 20th.Echavarria and Cantata, her horse, entered the ring for the first practice competition of the year in Medellin, Antioquia. This wasn’t only the first practice competition of the year, but it was also the first time in the ring after having a rough year. “Entering the ring again was both exciting and scary, especially after the difficulties we, Cantata and Carla, faced last year,” Echavarria said.The partnership of Echavarria and Cantata jumping big on January 20th in the practice competition at Club Campestre Llanogrande. This happens only a few times during the year, but it’s really important because the riders participate without the pressure of winning. Instead, they can focus on their connection with their horses and overcoming obstacles.These pair was completely concentrated while jumping 130cm in the practice competition in Medellin since concentration is everything, it’s determinant. “Concentration is key when going into the ring. It will determine not only your results but also how you’ll arrive at your next jump, how you’ll jump it, and, most importantly, if you and your horse get hurt,” Echavarria said.Echavarria and her teacher, Simon Arango, celebrating after a successful round in a practice competition in Medellin after tackling every jump perfectly and starting the year with the right foot.Echavarria celebrating with her horse, Cantata, after an amazing round in the practice competition on the third weekend of January in Medellin. “I feel extremely proud of the progress I’ve made this year with Cantata, considering the obstacles we faced last year,” Echavarria said.These duo go home satisfied, and completely happy with the results from the practice competition.
