Youth in Action: Anna DeVries

This Young Jumper Has Set Goals That Will Take Her Far

What is your name and age?

Anna DeVries. I’m 12 years old.

How long have you been involved with horses?

I’ve been involved with horses since I was 2 years old.

What’s the hardest part about owning or caring for horses?

The hardest part of taking care of a horse is giving them the right type of grain they need and giving them a bath, but some horses are ok with water.

What kind of riding do you do?

I do hunter jumper right now.

Tell us about your horse.

I lease a POA. Her name is Wahoo, and she’s 10 years old. I’ve been leasing her for about a year now.

What are your horse riding and training goals?

My horse riding goals are to jump higher in shows and win at least two blue ribbons at shows. My training goal is to feel comfortable pushing myself a little bit more out of my comfort zone.

Any accomplishments you’re especially proud of?

I’m so proud of my first show. I’d only been jumping for two to four months and I got a reserve champion and 12 other ribbons!

What are some obstacles you’ve overcome with your horse?

My biggest obstacle/challenge was getting back on after Wahoo stopped at a jump in front of my friends. It was just my fifth or sixth time jumping, and I just fell of in front of my friends and my trainer.

Who are your heroes in the horse world and why?

I truly admire my trainer, Taylor. I look up to her so much, and she’s a great rider. She pushed me and got me to where I am. I’m so grateful for her.

What’s your dream career? Do you see horses in your adult life?

My dream career is to own my own business that will sell horse treats and baskets of stuff like a care package. I’ve always wanted to own my own business.

See this article in the January/February 2023 online edition:

January/February 2023