Maverick Helmer: Another Look Into the Equestrian World
Maverick Helmer is a sophomore at OHS, and is a nationally competitive horseback rider. Pixel Journal Co-Editor, Olivia Woodson, catches up with Maverick’s pursuits in the interview below.
Pixel Journal: Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into horseback riding.
Maverick Helmer: I am a sophomore at OHS. I am a nationally competitive equestrian and reside in Virginia, Connecticut, and Florida during the year in order to compete. I do not remember much about how I got into horseback riding, but I do remember moving to Virginia and decided to take up the sport.
PJ: What does your training regimen look like?
MH: With riding, I maintain a very strict training regimen for myself and my horses. Personally, I ride six days a week, for a number of hours per day, and run. I am an avid runner which keeps me strong and in shape. This also helps my mental well-being which aids in the psychological aspects of the equestrian sport. For my horses, their training regimen combines endurance, strength-training, and technique. For six days of the week, I prepare them for upcoming events, and as a team, we build our trust.
PJ: Where is your favorite place that you have traveled to compete and why?
MH: My favorite showplace is the Hamptons. I love the Hampton Classic Horse Show! The environment is exhilarating and the stakes are very high.
PJ: What has been the biggest challenge balancing horseback riding and school?
MH: Balancing my training regimen and school is fairly easy; however, the biggest challenge is the constant change of geographic location! I am always traveling to different cities to horseshow – almost every other weekend! This has further amplified my time-management skills and has further challenged my abilities to pursue academic excellence.
PJ: In your opinion, what is the hardest part about riding and why?
MH: The hardest part about riding is the connection between horse and rider. Communicating with a 1500-pound animal is difficult. Without using words to communicate, you use only body position, arms/hands, and legs; the amount of pressure, weight transfer, or even the slightest adjustment can affect the outcome of the horse’s balance and their ability to perform.
PJ: What are your plans academically and within your sport after you graduate?
MH: Academically, I plan to graduate from Stanford OHS in the Class of 2019 and attend a university. I want to pursue a major in either International Business or Neuroscience. With regard to riding, I plan to ‘take a break’ and enjoy other things that life has to offer! I hope to return to the sport as an adult in the years to come.
PJ: Why are you passionate about riding?
MH: Riding is a sport of grace and precision, and that is what I love about it! As a rider, I try to achieve excellence—as perfection is never obtainable—every time I walk into the arena. Achieving such a level of riding is a magical feeling. Because of this, I crave the success and pursuit of excellence. This craving makes me return to the arena and love the sport.