“I live, I love, I ride,” says freshman Erin Wester, who is not your typical Woodland athlete. Wester spends most of her time fiercely competing at competitions for her Rivers Edge Farm Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA).

   What true dedication does this girl give to this team? When she is not busy maintaining her high honor roll status and helping coach a cheer leading team, she is around the barn bettering herself and others.

   For nine years, Wester has gained experience riding and taking care of other animals. Wester even worked her way up to do a Hunter jumper also known as stadium jumping.

   “For people that do not know what that is, it is shown in the Olympic Games,” laughs Wester.

   Although the Hunter Jumper is her main focus, Wester also practices dressage, which is flat work around the ring.

   “Every time I go over the jump, I get a rush of adrenaline,” says the rider, “It feels like I am flying.”

   When Wester is not busy polishing her skills, she is helping the younger kids “tack up.” This includes showing the kids how to put all the equipment on the horse and give technique advice to them.

   Down in Bethany, Connecticut a typical day at the barn includes grooming the horses, preparing to ride, and getting a lesson taught by their trainer. However, after all the fun ends Wester’s day is not over. She still has to groom the horses after the lesson and feed all 43 of them.

   “People do not recognize all the hard work that goes into riding,” says Wester, “I put so much time and effort to succeed.”

   Wester has received Grand Champion in the class that she competes in. She also received numerous of ribbons throughout each show.