Hi! My
name is Avery Klunick, I’m 21 years old and I’m studying Finance at TCU in Fort
Worth, Texas. When I first began riding horses at 6 years old I was
immediately addicted to riding, but it wasn’t until I got In It To Win It (aka
“Winston”) in 2008 that my journey with horses grew to a whole new level.
Together, Winston and I have traveled thousands of miles, competing at the
NAJYRC at the CCI1* and CCI2* levels in 2011 and 2012. In addition to competing
Winston, I am also bringing along Ringwood Army, a talented young prospect who
recently won the Area V Training Championships.
This
year has been one of opportunity and growth, most notably Winston and I began
competing at the 3* level. Things really took off this year when I decided to
take my spring semester off. I wanted to gain experience by getting advanced
level competitions under my belt. Going back to the West Coast to work with Bea
and Derek di Grazia was a great way to do that and to improve my riding.
When
I was making the decision to take a semester off, I heard repeatedly that I
shouldn’t do it because I would never want to return to school. Even with
all of these warnings I still decided it was the right thing for me to
do. I was nervous but since I had worked at Bea and Derek’s during
the summer of 2013 I felt much more comfortable going back for a longer period
of time.
Being
a working student is a large time commitment, but it’s very rewarding. I had
lessons almost every day with Bea or Derek and I participated in the developing
rider training sessions with David O’Connor. Focusing solely on
riding I was able to improve my riding style and Winston’s training and
correctness grew. I’m really thankful to Bea and Derek for finding Army, and
teaching me so much about properly bringing up a young horse—I was so proud to
watch Army grow up this year.
When
Winston and I qualified for a CCI3* I knew I had made the right decision and
was thrilled with this huge accomplishment. Derek suggested that we go to
Bromont—so we did! If not for the support of my friends and family,
competing at Bromont could never have been a reality for Winston and I. We
completed the difficult course at Bromont and finished our very first CCI3*! I
could not have been happier with Winston and it was a great way to finish out
the spring season.
After
Bromont, I came home and began summer school in July. With one successful
run at the 3* level under our belt I was very eager to do
another. In the fall I was able to return to the cross-country field
and compete at Richland Park. Together my mom and I made the 20-hour
trek up to Michigan to their top-notch venue. I had my most successful result
at the CIC3* level, finishing 10th. Not only was the competition great, I
was also able to spend time with my good friend Mackenna Shea, and meet some
wonderful new people through her. It was a great way to start off the fall
season.
Since
returning to school I have had a pretty crazy fall semester and season. When
school allows, I have been fortunate enough to ride with Mike Huber and Heather
Morris, who run a great program. Because of my good run at Bromont we decided
to aim for Fair Hill and I can’t explain the anticipation I felt while planning
the trip in September.
While
Fair Hill didn’t turn out to be my most successful event, it was an important
learning experience. We headed into cross-country on a 58.8, our lowest
dressage score at the 3* level. Fair Hill’s course was extremely technical and
we hit a rough patch coming up to 15B, the ditch brush, causing one stop and
then a fall. While I was at first quite disappointed with my riding, this
fall helped me to realize how lucky I am to be safe and to have a sound
horse. It also made me feel very lucky to be competing at this level. Now
that the season is over, it’s clear to me that Fair Hill was an experience that
helped me grow and improve as a rider.
Looking
back on my season there were ups and downs, as there always are, but I am a
much more experienced rider because of it. I feel like a
much sharper competitor and a driven student of the sport. I knew it
would be difficult to have two horses and be in college, but I think the break
from school helped me re-evaluate my goals. I feel more motivated to succeed in
school and eventing.
I
am thrilled to have two sound talented horses and I am looking forward to 2015!
I am thankful for my family, friends and coaches who have all been my village
in making the last year possible and successful.
