Two athletes streak across the grass; blood pumping, muscles straining, eyes alert. Finally, the competition comes to a close, and the teammates walk from the field: one for a cool drink and the other for a nibble of alfalfa. Welcome to the world of equestrian sports, where you'll find commitment, dedication, discipline, and self motivation aplenty.

Many students at W.F. West are involved in sports with horses. Student riders spend countless hours before and after school, on weekends, and during the summer working towards their goal of becoming a better horseman. "You are always trying to get better and move up to the next level in competition," said senior Alissa Gjelton, an eventer. "Eventing" is a term used in equestrian sports to refer to dressage, stadium jumping, and cross country.

The time and commitment of horse sports and school sports are very different, yet other aspects are similar. The riders could not emphasize enough the hours they spend preparing themselves and their animals for show. "It takes a lot more time preparing for a horse show than preparing for other sports. For a horse show, you not only have to get yourself ready, but the horse ready too," junior Tara Mount said. Mount participates in 4-H related horse events such as barrel racing and other western games. She also plans on competing in the rodeo circuit this winter. The association between the two types of sports is the support contributed by the team members. Among the riders at W.F. West, there is a consensus that the relationship between the horse and rider is based on trust. It is a team effort for both. "Trust is a big one. Put trust in your horse and he'll put trust in you," said freshman Tammy Rautio, a member of the Chehalis Valley Pony Club. Pony Club is a youth organization that emphasizes eventing.

"It's rewarded on a personal level. You begin to build a connection with your horse. You know what your horse is going to do and he knows what you are going to do," said senior Britt Roden. Roden competes in eventing shows in Washington, Oregon, California, and Montana, and is active in the Chehalis Valley Pony Club.

Pre-performance mental preparation is a key element to riders just as it is to athletes in school sports. Many visualize their course or pattern prior to entering the show ring. "I make sure I get out there [in the warm up arena] early and leave some time for me to think about what I'm going to do," said Mount. "It takes a lot of focus to show and go out there and do it correctly and with class."

According to riders, there has been a misconception of the meaning of riding. Many students believe riding horses is easier than it looks or they think it should not be called a sport at all. Many have the same attitude as senior Chris Garcia. "It doesn't seem like you'd use a horse for a sport. They're big and they need too much attention," Garcia said.

Junior Laura Keen agrees. "Do you break a sweat riding a horse?" She asked.

"The people in it aren't really exerting themselves. They don't deserve as much merit as other athletes," said sophomore Rachel Leisure.

However, riders put a great deal of effort and sweat into their riding and goals. Junior Kim Plancich contradicts these students' opinions. "You don't just get on and ride. It's a lot harder than it looks. It takes more time than any other sport I do," said Plancich. Plancich rides in 4-H and is a member of the school's volleyball and softball teams.

A common goal for sophomore Susan Mittge and Roden is competing in international competitions. "My motive is to become a great rider and maybe compete in the Olympic Games," said Roden.

"It's a good challenge. It gives me discipline that I could use someplace else like a job. It helps me follow directions and teaches me patience and responsibility," Mittge said.

"It's refreshing and lets you out. It re-energizes me and helps me get myself together," said Rautio. "It helps when it comes to relaxing."

Riding horses can be directly related to situations encountered in life. It develops character qualities desired by many employers today such as responsibility and being independent.

"It teaches you to take care of yourself and do your own thing without being dependent on everyone else," said Fred Young, Jr. Young is a local horse trainer who coaches many 4-H riders in the Lewis, Grant and Clark Counties.

Riding and working with a horse, as part of a team, develops understanding of other beings feelings. "You have to look at it through the horse's eyes. Jumps that might not be scary to you, are scary to the horse," said sophomore Kerry Vetter, a member of Pony Club.

The commitment and constant care needed to pursue equestrian sports makes riding a full time job. Senior Margo Snow said, "If you are really into it, it can control your life."