Adrenalin thrills local show jumper
Sports
Posted By Kevin Rushworth, Reporter
Posted 1 month ago
For 11-year-old Jesse Linderman, a young competitor in both equestrian and kayaking events, it is the same thrill and adrenalin that connects two otherwise drastically different sporting events.
In one, she is hurtling down a wild river in a kayak towards the drop-offs; with each passing paddle stroke, she comes closer to the feeling of adrenalin before the plunge.
When she's not kayaking down rivers, she's leaping over rails on her chestnut coloured horse, Cowboy. As she nears the jump, it is the very same adrenalin that pumps through her body.
From July 7 through 10, Linderman competed in equestrian events as part of the Southern Alberta Summer Games competition in Brooks. Out of six events in total, she walked away with three silvers and three bronzes.
Linderman said she started enjoying horses when she was four years old and said she thought it was a cool and fun thing to do. She said that she is very proud and grateful to have her own horse, Cowboy.
When asked what her favourite part of competing in equestrian events was, she said it's when all four hooves are off the ground.
"When you're going over (a rail), it feels like you're flying," she said.
However, it's important to know what to do when landing and body positioning is crucial, according to Linderman.
As the front feet lift off from the ground, the rider is taught to ride slightly out of the saddle, she said. Then, when those same hooves hit the ground on the other side, the jockey sits down.
Linderman said her mother inspired her to start riding. As well, she said her riding instructor has taught her a lot since she first began. She said nerves got to her slightly when she started taking lessons.
"I was just afraid that I would fall because the horse that I took lessons on in the very beginning was a little tall," she said.
In the fall, she will be starting Grade 7 at Crowsnest Consolidated High School. As well, she is looking forward to another year spent with the Silver Reins Lighthorse 4-H club out of Pincher Creek.
As part of the club, Linderman learns the basics, but for her, the most important day comes at the end.
"We get ready for our last day, which is called achievement day and then we show off what we've learned," she said. "It feels fun, but when it comes to the end, I can't wait for the next year, but I'm sad that the year ended."
Recently, Linderman returned from the Alberta Summer Games, which were held in the Peace region of the province from July 19 to 25. As part of those games, she competed in kayaking events.
She placed fourth in Mixed Slalom Team kayak race for her age category of 11 to 14. On top of that, she placed fourth in Female C-1 Slalom.
In Canoe Polo Event and Female K-1 Wildwater, she placed fifth and finished up the games with a seventh place finish in Female K-1 Slalom.
Her favorite part of kayaking is going out on the rivers when most people are staying away from them.
"I like going on the rivers when it's really rough," she said. "I like the thrill and I love the water. I also like the feeling you get when you're about to go off a drop-off."
For Linderman, she finds it important to get out on her horse everyday and can be found riding in their home arena. She said the horse needs the exercise and that it keeps both her and the animal sharp for competitions.
