A Girl, A Horse, and A Blue Ribbon

Written By Jacob Lusczek ‘14

Published December 2014

“Surreal” is how Reynolds Martin ’15 describes her experience at the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Nationals. “The whole experience was new to me,” she said. The day before they competed, Martin and teammate Meaghan Hynes ’16 enjoyed the opportunity to assist their coach, Chris Mitchell, with the preparation behind the scenes. However, reality hit the next day when they began getting dressed for their performance.

Hynes rode before Martin. “I was getting super jittery for her because I wanted her to nail it—which she did—and I knew it would be my turn next,” said Martin. “I was definitely ready, but I was feeling the pressure.”

Then came “game time,” as Martin said. It was her time to shine. After a pep talk from her coach, Martin took to the ring where she gave it her all and left everything she had. The rest was for the judges to decide.

“They call the placing’s backwards, so you really wanted to be the last man standing,” said Martin. “After what felt like an eternity, I was standing there with only one other girl. They called her name, not mine, which meant I had won the whole class.”

President Batemen awards Martin with an IHSA championship ring as her teammates look on.

Photo Courtesy of Randolph College.

Martin is the current IHSA National Champion for equitation on the flat. This simply means that during the competition, the rider and the horse do not perform any jumps. Equitation is the art of horse riding also referred to as horsemanship. In a competition there are many things the judges look at when evaluating a riders performance. While the rider, not the horse, is whom the judges are evaluating, it is still necessary that the horse perform well. If the horse does not, it reflects back onto the rider’s ability to control the horse, which is one of the criteria the judges look at. Along with the performance of the rider and the horse, judges also look at the attire, form, and poise of the rider, as well as their use of riding aids. Riding aids are cues used by riders to communicate with and get the horse to do what they want. Judges also evaluate the cleanliness and polish of the rider, the horse, and the equipment.

How does someone become a national champion in equestrian? For Martin, it all started at a very young age and with a pony named Cotton.

“I started riding when I was four years old,” said Martin. That’s when her grandmother, Jane Rowe Reynolds ’66, bought Cotton for Martin and her three other grandchildren. Martin then started taking lessons with her Aunt Ann at her farm and participated in her first competition with Cotton when she was just five years old.

Aunt Ann breeds and sells horses. She gave Martin her first horse, Forte. Forte has taught Martin a lot and is one reason she is as good as she is today. “Horses teach you so much every time you get on them, no matter how long you have had them,” said Martin. Forte remains near and dear to Martin and is currently living on her farm in Charlottesville.

The first time Martin won a show was that first one she competed in. “All I can remember is being awake when it was still dark outside,” said Martin. “When we got to the show I had five people dressing me and telling me what to do, then I went into the ring, did what they said, and I got a blue [ribbon].” A blue ribbon is the ribbon awarded to first place.

Since then, Martin has continued to pursue her love for riding horses, gradually getting better while learning from the horses. She finds the connection made between riders and horses one of the most enjoyable things about riding. “You won’t connect with every horse, nor will a horse always connect with you,” said Martin, “That’s a relationship that takes a lot of time.” To her, horses are like people and they can have bad days just like people can. Martin said, “I have always enjoyed the time I spend at the barn in general; it is like my second home, and I am relaxed there.”

When Martin started riding in college she noticed a significant change in the equestrian environment, which she came to love. She was no longer riding as an individual. Equestrian became a team sport, and she was now competing on a team. “The girls are wonderful, and being able to share the same passion and love for horses with 30 other people is wonderful,” said Martin.

“I plan to continue riding after college,” said Martin. She hopes to make riding more than a hobby one day. However, in the near future, Martin intends to find a job and make a stable income before pursuing that dream. “Horses have been in my life for as long as my memory allows me to remember, and I know that will never change,” said Martin.