Tryon – Emma Rose Watson of Mills River doesn’t let intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) slow her down when it comes to horses. Watson won the Level C Independent Division in the North Carolina Special Olympics Equestrian Competition at the Tryon International Equestrian Center, October 7-9.
Watson rode Rose Velvet, an eight-year-old off-track Thoroughbred mare, to place first in the working equitation class, the trail class, and the dressage class. The Level C Independent Division is ridden at a walk without ground support or a side walker.
Working equitation includes dressage plus some obstacles for the horse and rider to negotiate, such as a bridge, opening a gate or backing through poles. Judging is based on the communication and connection between horse and rider.
Dressage is judged on the precision and cooperation of the horse and rider as they perform several intricate maneuvers at the walk and, depending on the competition, the trot and canter in a flat ring (arena).
A trail class consists of several obstacles, such as a bridge, opening and closing a gate, opening and closing a mailbox, riding through poles, or riding across or underneath a tarp. Trail classes are judged on the performance of the horse over obstacles, with an emphasis on manners, response to the rider, and quality of movement.
Watson has been riding for 14 years. “I like being with the horses,” she said, adding that the competition is fun.
Her trainer, Belle Crouse, of Crouse Equestrian in Asheville, said Watson is a big help around the farm. “She helps with grooming and tacking the horses and walking hot horses [after they are ridden].
Crouse said working with horses helps people with IDD with focus, physical ability, and motor skills. “Horses are extremely energetic beings,” said Crouse. “Being around the horses helps those with IDD calm down.”
“She [Watson] loves the horses as much as the riding,” said Watson’s father, John Watson. According to John, because many with IDD have multiple diagnoses, it can be challenging for IDD individuals to participate in events of legitimate competition. “Sometimes it also depends on their physical capabilities,” he said.
Special Olympics North Carolina Director of Communications Madeline Safrit said, because of COVID, the 2022 event was the first competition since 2019. “This place [TEIC] is like Disney World for these [Special Olympic Equestrian] athletes,” she said. “It’s great for our riders to be around traditional competitors. We’re all going to Saturday Night Lights tonight. ”
Saturday Night Lights is just one of the many upcoming events at TIEC this fall. Other events include dressage competitions, international Grand Prix show jumping, in-hand liberty competitions, three-day eventing, hunter/jumper and equitation competitions, and the Carolinas Spartan Race Weekend. The 2022 American Hobby Horse Championship is October 28. Saturday Night Lights on October 29 features the International Grand Prix of show jumping. Halloween celebrations include a costume parade and contest. For more information, visit www.tryon.com/allevents.
Green Creek Hounds will celebrate Halloween with their annual Halloween Hunter Pace on October 29, complete with riders and horses in costume. They are currently participating in early hunting on Thursdays and Sundays, and will hold their opening hunt ceremony on Saturday, November 19. For more information, visit www.greencreekhounds.com.
Tryon Hounds’ fourth annual Barn and Art Tour is Sunday, November 5. This is a self-guided tour of local barns featuring local artists. For ticket information, visit www.tryonhounds2022barntour.eventbrite.com. The Tryon Hounds’ opening hunt ceremony is on Thanksgiving Day.