Horseback riding: A popular sport receiving little recognition

BY KAYLA GATES

The Cooper City Cowboys is not just a name— it’s a reality for many. Horseback riding has become a significant part of the community, with many students participating in the sport. However, a lack of knowledge on the subject has caused some athletes to go unnoticed and the sport as a whole to become underrepresented.

Cooper City High School offers a wide variety of athletic activities for students to partake in. From football to lacrosse, athletes have the ability to showcase their skills at school. However, many sports cannot be played on campus through an organized team.

Horseback riding is one of the many sports that requires students to look beyond school for participation opportunities. With campuses being unable to host such complex sports, for obvious land and practicality reasons, some athletes are unable to join tradition high school teams. Talented horseback riders don’t always receive an equal amount of recognition.

Equestrianism includes a wide variety of activities, including endurance riding, reining, show jumping, vaulting, horse racing, driving and more. The categories of dressage, show jumping and venting are recognized as international equestrian events, and are even offered at the Olympics.

For Royes, horseback riding has been a lifelong passion. She began riding at the age of 7, and has stuck with the sport ever since.

Horseback riding has become a significant part of Cooper City and the surrounding area. With riding centers located all across Broward County, it is not uncommon to see people riding horses throughout the community.

The city of Davie, which borders Cooper City, is known for its horseback riding community. The town emphasizes a western theme, with old school buildings and structures, as well as being home to many ranches and stables.

One popular attraction is the Davie Pro Rodeo. This event is held two to three times a year at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds. Members of the community often attend to watch the entertainment, which features champion cowboys and cowgirls participating in horse and cattle activities. Riders compete at the national level during these rodeos.

While many attend the rodeo with the intent of enjoying the experience, others take it rather seriously. In fact, many students participate in horseback riding themselves, taking advantage of the chance to showcase their talent.  

“I want to go to the Olympics, but it is very difficult to do,” Royes said. “If that doesn’t work out, it’s always something I love and a hobby for me.”

When sifting through the immense student body, one may be able to find only a small handful of students with a knack for horseback riding. One such student is freshman Elle Royes. Not only does Royes enjoy horseback riding, but she has dedicated much of her life to competing in the sport. However, this activity is something many of her peers are unaware of.

For Royes, horseback riding has been a lifelong passion. She began riding at the age of 7, and has stuck with the sport ever since. Royes currently rides at Masterpiece Equestrian Center, which is located in Davie. She attends the facility to take lessons.

As for the competitive aspect of horseback riding, Royes participates in an equestrian event called show jumping. The activity involves riders steering their horse, who carries them over an obstacle. Royes competes in tournaments, which are held every month.

“I want to do something with it in the future,” Royes said. “I think I want to do it more competitively as I get older, and do higher competitions.”

“Horseback riding isn’t recognized as much,” Royes said. “A lot of people think it isn’t, but horseback riding is definitely a sport.”

With the future in mind, Royes has ambitious goals. Besides improving for upcoming competitions, she hopes to pursue the sport further in the years to come. With show jumping being recognized as an Olympic sport, Royes hopes to one day qualify, which she believes will require a lot of hard work. Regardless, she plans to continue riding for a long time.

“I want to go to the Olympics, but it is very difficult to do,” Royes said. “If that doesn’t work out, it’s always something I love and a hobby for me.”

Overall, horseback riding has a major impact on the lives of many students at Cooper City High School. Due to its popularity in the community, more and more people are partaking in the sport. Although many are unaware of its significance, these athletes are fighting to make their craft known.

“Horseback riding isn’t recognized as much,” Royes said. “A lot of people think it isn’t, but horseback riding is definitely a sport.”

Photo courtesy of Elle Royes