Horsing Around WORDS: Kara Chalmers PICTURES: Whitney Patton For two talented Manatee County competitive horseback riders, horses are everything. Friends Hallie Nelson and Reese Franqueiro, both 10, train at Equisports Unlimited in Parrish, stables that offer beginner to advanced lessons for children and adults, showing, sales, and leases. Equisports also offers boarding for horses, including the Nelsons’ pony Casper and thoroughbred Bailey. Hallie rides Casper and Reese leases Bailey from the Nelsons. For the past few years, the girls have competed almost monthly in shows at Fox Lea Farm in Venice, and have both taken home championships in several divisions, generally consisting of ��ve to 13 riders. In shows, judges rate the girls on their form, style and ability, as well as on how well they control their horses. The horses are judged too, on their manners, performance and appearance. The pairs are judged on how well they walk, trot and canter, and on how well they jump over fences. There are a lot of rules to follow - from making sure the rider’s legs are in the right position, to the horse’s tail and mane being neatly braided. For the girls, competing in shows was part of the natural progression that started with an initial interest in horses, then in riding, in taking lessons and practicing several times a week, and ��nally, with a desire to test their skills and compete. But perhaps what’s more important than all the ribbons the girls have been awarded is their love for horses, and how passionate and committed they are to their animals and to their sport. Reese’s father, Keith Franqueiro, said he is amazed every time he watches his daughter enter the barn and witnesses her connections with the horses. “Horses take to her right away,” he said of his daughter, who has been riding for about ��ve years. “She respects them and they respect her.” Reese Franqueiro By midday at Reese’s last show in late August, she and Bailey had had a great morning, and their best events were coming up. But Reese started worrying that Bailey was showing signs of overheating. Bailey is the type of horse that would push through any discomfort, Reese knew, but she cut the day short anyway. She didn’t want to stress Bailey in any way. Reese Franqueiro with Bailey Hallie Nelson with Casper “As a rider, Reese can understand how her horse feels,” said her father, Keith. 29
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