Local rider crowned
Reserve Champion at Indio
WRHS senior
Alexandra Taft in equitation
By JODY
ZARKOS
Express Staff Writer
Even though
she spent a trimester away from school, Alexandra Taft has been busy
getting a serious education.
Alexandra,
18, a Wood River High School senior and National Honor Society member,
spent the last seven weeks at the Horses in the Sun Desert Circuit at
Indio, Ca.
The ongoing
horse show features top riders from all over the U.S. One of the best
turned out to be Taft, who was crowned Reserve Champion in Equitation for
the 18-35 year old age group. She was also crowned half-circuit champion.
In
equitation, unlike dressage, it’s the rider who is judged on form, not
the horse.
Judges look
for the position of the rider’s legs, hands and shoulders, and how a
horse is positioned according to the rider’s cues.
"Courses
are generally technical. It really tests the rider. You have to execute in
a way that makes it look easy," Taft said.
Taft knows
that hard work is what it takes to be successful in any endeavor. She is
not afraid to roll up her sleeves.
Alexandra
is currently ranked second in her high school class. She has received less
than an A grade only once in her high school career. For the record, it
was a B.
Her mother
Spooky said Alexandra has been accepted to several colleges, including
Lewis and Clark in Portland, which she may choose because of its proximity
to the stable where she trains.
Alexandra
is the oldest of Jim and Spooky Taft’s three girls.
Katrina,
15, was named half-circuit Reserve Champion in the Junior Maiden division
at Indio. Samantha, 9, just won the snowshoe and "Stupid Pet
Tricks" classes at March’s Paw & Pole cross-country ski event.
"Horses
have always been in our family. Riding is a huge part of who I am,"
said Alexandra, who began riding at three.
"I
always want to have it there in my life. It is something I will always
come back to."