As elementary students from The Columbus School (TCS) prepared for an upcoming show jumping competition in early April, their journey of preparation in the pursuit of show jumping excellence took center stage in the days before the competition.

Paola Gutierrez, the teacher at Club Campestre Llanogrande’s academy, designed a training approach focused on generating confidence and building a strong bond between riders and horses. Both underwent thorough physical and mental training to ensure their readiness for the competition.

“It’s not just about jumping over obstacles; it’s about building confidence, trust, and a strong partnership between horse and rider,” Gutierrez said.

As the competition approached, the training intensified as sessions for both students and horses changed their focus to boosting confidence and mastering skills to tackle the challenges ahead. Gutierrez highlighted the importance of this phase, where students mentally prepared themselves for what was to come. Therefore, she implemented a strategic approach, pushing both riders and horses to surpass their limits in preparation for the big event.

“During this crucial phase, we pushed boundaries to generate confidence and readiness. For the riders, it meant jumping higher than competition levels, while the horses took on greater challenges, ensuring they were fully prepared for success,” said Gutierrez.

The distribution of horses among the girls was strategic since it was a crucial aspect of their preparation and their outcome in the competition. This decision depended on various factors, including the students’ current capacities, individual strengths, confidence levels, and their relationship with the different horses. She explained that each horse-rider pair was unique, requiring careful consideration to ensure optimal performance and a great partnership in the ring.

“Horse distribution depended on the students’ abilities and their relationship with the horse, since they were a team and both their outcome and experience depended on this bond,” said Gutierrez.

Preparation went beyond the riders to ensure the horses were in peak condition for the competition. Gutierrez implemented a structured work plan focused on cardio and specific exercises to enhance the horses’ performance. This approach ensured that the horses could endure the challenges of the competition rings while maintaining composure and behaving well for the young riders.

“The horses must always have a work plan specially prior to a competition. They must stay in shape, but they must also keep composure to benefit these young starting athletes,” Gutierrez emphasized.

Among the excitement and nerves, riders such as Elisa Puyo, Juanita Perez, Martina Torres, and Emilia Restrepo shared their aspirations and strategies for success in the sport they loved. They navigated this journey under the devoted guidance of their dedicated coach, whose unwavering determination served as motivation. This environment empowered these young equestrians to showcase their skills and great passion for show jumping.

“The adrenaline of jumping and the joy of improvement drive us forward. We’re ready to take on the challenge and ride to victory,” Perez said.

Their team spirit and strength set the tone for a great competition experience, with each rider approaching the event with a unique perspective. They brought their unique mix of determination and passion to the arena, emphasizing the importance of enjoyment, learning, and personal growth.

“Winning isn’t everything; it’s about enjoying the ride, having fun, and learning along the way,” Puyo said.