Swarmed with mixed emotions, she put on her riding boots and prepared to mount her horse. Her eagerness to ride was apparent, but the incessant buzzing of her alarm clock still lingered in her mind as she watched the sunrise, still visible in the morning sky. These contradicting feelings are all too familiar for horseback rider Anna Cartwright, senior, as she has become accustomed to sacrificing sleep in order to do what she loves most, riding horses. 

“All the difficult tasks of taking care of horses as well as riding them has definitely given me an everyday challenge,” Anna said. “Horses have taught me how to become a leader, gain responsibility, trust, dedication and much more.”

Anna grew up riding horses. At the age of four, she rode her first horse, Tino. Anna said her 14 years of experience in handling and riding horses was almost a birthright.

“I decided to start riding horses because my mom was also a horseback rider growing up,” Anna said. “It’s in my [blood]. I don’t remember much of the first time I rode a horse since I was young, but I remember I enjoyed going to the barn with my mom to see our horse. It started from me going to the barn every Saturday growing up to now [going] 4 days a week.”

Growing up around horses has allowed Anna to become immersed in the equine world. Thanks to barn experiences and shared love for horses, she has made lifelong friends who she considers family. Anna met her own best friend, Sully Jeffries, at their barn, Rock Creek Stables. Jeffries, a senior at Webster Groves High School, also believes their strong bond is rooted in their connection and understanding of horses. 

“To be a good horse person you need to be patient, dedicated, caring and forgiving,” Jeffries said. “Having those qualities instilled into you at such a young age makes you a really grounded person. Those four qualities are not only key to horseback riding, but also to life. Anna is all of those things, which makes her an amazing friend.”

In addition to developing a social circle, Anna said horseback riding has enabled her to stand out from the crowd. According to Anna, it has provided her with an opportunity to be different from others, which makes her appreciate the connection with her equestrian friends and horses even more. She said she has found her calling. When riding Tino, she said she is able to escape from all the stress of the world and feel empowered.

“Horses impact my life because I always feel like I’m different [from] everyone else with a unique hobby,” Anna said. “There are not a lot of people that ride horses; most people are afraid of them. When I’m riding [Tino] it brings me joy. After a long day I know I could go out to the barn to ride [him], and it always relaxes me and takes the stress away.”

In addition to creating lasting friendships, Anna has strengthened her family bonds. Anna’s mother, Lisa Cartwright, is her biggest cheerleader. Lisa said this inherited passion for horses makes her extremely proud of Anna.

“Anna and I have a true bond because of the connections [our shared love of horses] have created,” Lisa said. “Having Anna follow in my footsteps has been a wonderful journey for both of us; we have shared so many wonderful moments. I am so proud of her. She has become a very talented equestrian.”

Though Anna was taught to enjoy the equestrian world from a young age, horseback riding has become a passion she willingly chooses to follow into the future. Anna plans to attend Stephens College and participate in their equestrian program. According to Anna, her connections with Rock Creek Stables have helped her receive equestrian scholarships to pay for part of her college tuition. She said she will continue to be involved with horseback riding for as long as she can and will either major or minor in equestrian studies. It is a passion she is not willing to give up easily. 

“Barn life and my experiences with horses have taught me many valuable life lessons to help me grow as an individual,” Anna said. “[I’ve] become a better person overall. I am thankful to have grown up being able to ride and share that connection with my friends as well as family. Horses have taught me so much and shaped me into the person I am today.”