Interview With National Qualifier Summer Farmer

Summer Farmer
 2nd Place Intermediate Equitation Over Fences

Full Name: Summer Nicole Farmer

Current Classification: Senior

Show Disciplines: English ( Open Equitation Over Fences and Intermediate Equitation on the Flat)

What is your favorite thing about your discipline?

- My favorite thing about my discipline is the adrenaline rush I get right before I enter the arena. The flat phase is fun but jumping just takes the cake for me. I love the feeling of being able to show these random horses over jumps. I used to be terrified to jump growing up.

What was your first goal when you started on the team?

- My goal when I started was just to show and have fun. I also wanted to move up through the classes and potentially make it to open but that was not in near sight as a freshman! As my membership went on, I really wanted to make it to Nationals but I never thought it would be possible. Our coach this year has pushed us to our greatest strengths with some complicated exercises and it really pays off in the show pen.

How did you feel the morning of Zones? How did you mentally prepare yourself? 

- Honestly, I woke up excited. I was just ready to get on a horse and show. Our coaches have always ingrained in our brain “just ride like you’re at home”. I went into the show pen relaxed and was at ease wirh any placing I got. When I came out, Coach Sarah said, "You're going to nationals! Time to look at flights." I rolled my eyes, and said "Now, now, let's just wait and see." They called me in for a work off and as I rode in, I was ready to win. I rode the best courses I've had in IHSA and Bully, the horse I rode, was happy with me. When the horse likes how I'm riding them, I have already won in my eyes. Bully and I had a beautiful work off, and I was happy with it!

How did you feel when you realized you were going to IHSA Nationals in Harrisburg, PA this year?

Summer Farmer and Bully 

- Well, as they called the names starting with 9th place, I realized my number was towards the top but I never thought I'd be in the Top 2! When they called third place and didn't call my name, tears were in my eyes. At that point I knew Coach Sarah was right and I looked to the stands, and she mouthed at me, "I TOLD YOU!" I came out, and everyone was right there, ready to attack me with hugs. It felt amazing!

Is there anything you feel you could have done better in your ride?

- The main thing I regret is picking up the wrong lead at the very beginning. The person who rode Bully before me had kind of ticked him off. So he went into the arena and was mad, but I wanted to change his mind. He didn't even have it wrong for a full stride yet I knew it was wrong. I knew I had to come back and have a spot on ride, and that's just what I did!

Has qualifying for IHSA Nationals surpassed your goals from when you first started on the team?

- Oh yes!! For sure. I just joined the team to be able to show, and do something outside my own horse. This year has been one to remember though. I would not change my senior year for the world! I'm still at a loss for words that I made it in my final year. During my first two years, I was in the mid to bottom half of placings. In the beginning of my junior year, I started moving up in the ranks and then got competitive! I didn't like to receive much less than third place. That's just my inner competitiveness coming out! I never thought my freshman year that I would actually showing in Open Equitation Over Fences by my senior year, but I did it! Nationals will be something I will never forget, and I cannot wait to share it with my best friend who also qualified for Nationals! History in the making!!

~ Editor: Jade St. Denis