Sports are kind of a big deal here at Southern Lehigh. “The Big Blue Wrecking Crew,” the student section at sporting events, puts together crazy themed nights in order to cheer on fellow classmates at football, soccer, basketball and many other athletic endeavors. But, one sport that doesn’t get nearly as much attention, quite simply because there is no school team, is horseback riding.
This sport may not have an affiliation with the school, but that doesn’t keep sophomore Samantha Zajdel or freshman Emily Stahl from training for a sport they love. This year, both girls have been recognized by the United States Equestrian Federation for their accomplishments and dedication to the sport.
Samantha has been riding for nine years and encouraged Emily, whom she has been friends with since a very young age.
“I had tried every other sport. Once I tried horseback riding, I finally found a sport that I loved and had a passion for,” Stahl, who has been riding for three years, said.
The USEF honors equestrians for their continuous dedication through their practices and training which are similar to other high school athletic programs. The girls train rigorously at Stonefield Stables in Coopersburg, and in order for the USEF to recognize them they had to document at least 100 hours of training and also provide verification for their participation in three competitions dispersed throughout the year.
“I just found a love for horses, and ride every day,” Zajdel said.
Zajdel rides a thoroughbred named Autumn, and Stahl rides an off-the-track thoroughbred named Student Driver (Huey). They both compete in hunter and jumper shows, and train about six days a week in order to prepare for their events. Alongside them is their trainer Billie, who helps them reach their full potential.
“I don’t have one particular award that is my favorite, but I’m proud of my 150+ ribbons,” Zajdel said.
Both girls will receive a varsity letter from the USEF once they have completed their 100 hours and three competitions. They are also given a certificate and pin for each year of their participation in the program, regardless of the fact that there is not a team or club offered at Southern Lehigh.
They may not be playing at seven o’clock on a Friday night under the stadium lights with stands filled with their classmates, but Zajdel and Stahl ride and train vigorously for their sport because they have a passion, and it doesn’t go unnoticed.
