I was one of those rare kids who loved watching movies. New movies, old movies, foreign movies… Living in New York City, a city of everything, I was introduced to cable at a young age. And this opened up my world to movies even more. You might be asking yourself, “Where is she going with this? And what does this have to do with equestrian and horses?”
Simple! Two words — International Velvet!
It was this film that sparked not only the love I have for horses, but the love of riding. The story is based on a young girl living in Arizona who moves to England to live with her aunt. She discovers that she not only has a talent but also a love of riding. Great movie, if you ever get the chance to watch it.
After this spark within me, I remember there was the Clermont Riding Academy in New York City, right next to Central Park. I remember begging my mother to please pay for riding lessons. I offered everything from doing chores, walking the dog, doing the laundry, even going to sleep early to get my mother to sign me up for lessons.
I prevailed! And on to Clermont Riding Academy I went! My enthusiasm was through the roof. It was like Santa Claus coming down the chimney on Christmas Day.
You might be wondering, horseback riding in New York City? Horseback riding has been a tradition in Central Park dating back to the days when the Park was originally designed.
I remember the excitement of my first lesson. I remember looking a my horse — so stern, so tall, so majestic. When I first learned to sit on my horse, it was like I was meant to be on that horse. But when I sat in my first English Saddle, dressed in my breeches, riding boots, and equestrian helmet, the feeling and the sense and the love that washed over me was something I had never felt before.
There are two forms of riding, English and Western. Each is characterized by the type of saddle used. The English saddle is lighter and smaller, giving the rider a closer contact with the horse. It also gives more freedom and movement to the horse. The Western saddle is heavier, larger, and has a horn in the front middle of the saddle. This horn is not designed to get other horses out of the way, it is designed to provide extra support for the rider and to provide a place for lassos and other equipment.
I chose English because I have always been influenced by British culture. That is the method I was taught at Clermont Riding Academy, and that’s how the New York City Police Mounted Unit rides.
People think that riding a horse is just sitting on an animal. It is so much more. It’s a mutual respect and connection you share with such a majestic, strong animal.
I remember learning the basics. Learning the lessons. What I learned is that the horse is not the only one getting a workout. It’s not just about balance and grip. Staying on and controlling a horse requires the same sort of muscle strength and coordination required by other sports such as downhill skiing and ballroom dancing.
As I became more accomplished, I looked forward to riding through Central Park through the seasons. The fall, the beautiful leaves and the crispness of the air that first Christmas. Even though I was in the city, riding through Central Park, I felt like I was out in nature — because I was. I could feel every move of the horse. We were riding as one, together. Not only enjoying the ride, but living in that moment — feeling the wind, the power, the invincibility of the animal. It is a union of woman and animal.
Over the years, I have always had an easy bond form between me and horses. It’s as if they know who I am and that I am a lover of horses. On Christmas Eve 2019, my daughter and I were returning home from a party when we spotted a white horse standing alone in his field. It was dark, but her white coat made her stand out. As we approached the fence, she walked right over to us. It was like we had known each other forever. After 20 minutes, we had to leave. Reluctantly. Since Christmas Eve we have returned once. Again, she came right up to us. When we left, she protested with a hoof stomp and a snort.
Sadly, Clermont Riding Academy has gone the way of many things in New York. It has closed. Changed with the times. But what has not changed, and will not change is my love of horses, the love of riding, and the bond between woman and horse.
