Equestrians to train with Olympian 

By Sylvie Belmond

Two local horseback riders are taking a big leap forward in their goal to be members of the United States’ show jumping team at the Olympics.

Since they began riding about five years ago, Henley Adkins, 14, and Malina Munshi, 15, have worked diligently to develop their equestrian skills—and their hard work is paying off.

The girls will participate in the 2010 Emerging Athletes Program hosted by the United States Hunter and Jumper Association, a stepping stone towards a spot on the Olympics team.

Trainer Jenny Mitchum works with the girls at Elvenstar Stables in Moorpark. The facility offers equestrian instruction and training for riders at all levels, from a beginners’ riding academy up to advanced jump classes.

Henley and Malina transferred to the advanced training barn about three years ago because they showed promise in competitive riding, Mitchum said.

Founded in 2009, the Emerging Athletes Program grooms equestrian athletes under the age of 21 for national and international competitions. The program nurtures talent by giving participants a chance to train with some of the best in the sport, Mitchum said.

As part of the program, Malina and Henley and about 20 of their peers will work with 1984 Olympic gold medalist Melanie Taylor at a two-day clinic at Hansen Dam Equestrian Park in Sylmar May 22 to 23.

“I learned so much about horsemanship and a lot of sportsmanship, and this year I also really hope to learn more about the horse industry,” said Malina, who also participated in the Emerging Athletes Program in 2009.

A sophomore at Newbury Park High, Malina began to ride horses at age 10 in Switzerland.

“I had a friend that rode and she introduced me to it. From then on, I knew this is what I wanted to do,” she said.

Sabine Munshi, Malina’s mother, said her daughter was born to be a rider.

“It was after her first fall as a beginner that I realized this was the sport for her,” she said. “Before that she’d been playing soccer and would cry at the smallest little boo-boo. Then she had her first fall (from a horse) and got right back on. I knew that there was no stopping her after that.”

Malina is a member of the Newbury Park High School equestrian team, which placed fourth among 75 schools in the Interscholastic Equestrian League at Hansen Dam in April. She rides Lucky Barney, a Holdsteiner from Germany her family purchased about four years ago.

The teenager, who’s earned many individual medals, said horseback riding is a demanding sport.

“It’s a lot of work and it’s one of the few sports where there are two athletes and two independent minds that need to understand each other,” she said.

Henley, a freshman at Moorpark High School, began to ride at age 9.

“My parents bid on four free lessons at a silent auction. After that, I didn’t want to stop. I never want to stop,” she said.

Equestrians must develop a rapport with their horse and gain their trust, she said. The time spent with horses benefits humans, too.

“Having a horse trains (you to control your emotions) because they know whether you’re happy or mad, so you can’t hide how you feel,” Henley said.

Henley’s mom, Leslie Adkins, admires her daughter’s zeal for riding and show jumping. Although she falls on occasion, Henley keeps getting back on with a big smile on her face.

“Riding is Henley’s passion in life and I just feel so blessed that she has found it at such a young age,” Adkins said.

Henley is training and riding her own horse, Wupicor, a Dutch Warmblood brought over from Holland three years ago.

Most professionals prefer European horses because they’re bred to be more athletic, said Henley, who’s been competing with Wupicor for two years.

This will be Henley’s first year in the Emerging Athletes Program.

“I was really excited to be accepted. My goal is to make it all the way to the national level,” she said.

With future aspirations to become a horse trainer and a large animal veterinarian, Henley plans to attend Hartpury College in Gloucester, England to study animal sciences.

Malina isn’t sure about her career plans, but she’ll pursue a degree toward a profession that will give her the time and financial resources to support a lifelong involvement with horses.

“Coming to the ranch is relaxing. All the stresses of school and friends disappear because all that matters is just us and the horses, and the horses don’t judge us,” she said.

Both girls said they would love to be in the Olympic some day, but they said it it’s likely to take years before they achieve this goal because most Olympians in the equestrian category are much older then them.

Reference: Thousands Oak Acorn