How long did you spend preparing for the event and what kind of training did you do?
I began preparing for the competition in the spring, once the snow had melted from the outdoor courts and the forest paths. For me, preparing ment practicing riding the pattern through. The more complicated sections I’d ride through separately on a couple of occasions. In comparison to other primary disciplines, western riding doesn’t call for as high of a fitness-level, so my supplementary training mostly included brisk and relaxing walks in the woods. Although this years western class, Western Horsemanship, includes a group section, that will require more stamina. I’d recommend keeping your base fitness up for that.
What motivates you to exercise?
What motivates me the most is my desire to show off my best at competitions. Western riding is my thing, and I want to convey my love for it with great performances. In addition to that, western is simply loads of fun and it brightens my mood!
Where do you train?
When possible I train on public outdoor courts. The walks I do as supplementary training can easily be done in an urban environment, but I enjoy forest walks more. While I’m in the woods, I can relax and simultaneously think about my future performance.
When do you feel like you’ve last failed and succeeded in this sport?
My most recent failure was unfortunately during the -23 Finnish National Championships. The course included a log, for which one had to adjust their stride. After loads of training, I got the wrong stride over the pole, causing me to lose points. Right now I feel like I’m in the midst of a very successful season. After being named the Western rider of the year in 2024 I’ve got so much newfound motivation to develop this small but wonderful sport. I’ve also learned a lot about myself as a western rider.
Free word: words of encouragement, tips etc
This is kinda cliché, but remember to have fun! Being relaxed is the basis of western riding. I’ve done the best runs of my competition career when I’ve had a bunch of fun, and the performance has felt more like I’m just riding with my friends, instead of competing against them. My worst performances I’ve done when I’ve been really nervous, and that does comes across to the judge as well. Remember to relax before your performance, and to not stress too much! I’d recommend dressing up in line with the western spirit for western classes, because at least personally I value the aesthetics of western highly. The ringside vibe will be wholly different and wonderful when everyone has their best western fits on!
