From her on-campus involvement as the K-grams Director of Greek Relations and member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, to studying Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience, senior Gretchen Bentz is making the most out of her time at Michigan. Between exams and extracurricular meetings, though, you can find Gretchen at the stable. A recent winner of an international horseback-riding competition, Gretchen took some time out of her busy schedule to talk to Her Campus UMich about her passion.
Her Campus UMich: When did you start horseback riding?
Gretchen Bentz: I started riding horses when I was 6 years old.
HC: In which discipline do you compete?
GB: I ride Saddleseat, which is a type of English riding. This type of riding highlights the flashy movement of the American Saddlebred, which is the breed of horse that I ride and show. When I compete, I present the horse at different gaits to demonstrate his march-like leg movement, the way he carries his head, his manners, and his physical confirmation. Basically, I have to make sure the horse’s form and my form are absolutely perfect throughout the class.
HC: You recently won the Kentucky State Fair World’s Championship Horse Show. How did this show differ from others in which you’ve participated?
GB: The World’s Championship Horse Show is where everyone comes together to prove they are the absolute best in our style of riding. It is exceptionally more competitive than any other show I have competed in. The classes are bigger, and often times there are 15-25 horses in the ring at once. Every horse that competes is of the highest quality. Many horses that compete there have won World’s Championships before. Most importantly, everyone that competes knows how to ride and is a seasoned competitor, so the atmosphere is cutthroat, to say the least.
HC: What was your reaction when you won?
GB: I started showing when I was 10 years old and that is when I first learned about the World’s Championship Horse Show. Since then, it has been my ultimate dream to win there. So when they called my number as the winner, I was utterly shocked. I actually didn’t recognize my name at first, but once it hit me and I realized what I achieved, I was elated. Part of me still can’t believe it happened, but I am so happy and feel so blessed that it did.
HC: How has horseback riding made you the person that you are today?
GB: Riding is interesting because it isn’t a solo sport, but you aren’t on a team with other people; you and your horse are a team. To be successful, you have to learn to communicate with a 1,500-pound animal and earn each other’s trust. This takes time. I have put a lot of time into riding, and from that I have learned responsibility not only for myself but also for my horse, who depends on me for everything. I have learned that dedication and perseverance actually do pay off and that anything is possible; you just have to be willing to work hard. Riding has given me life skills that help me from day-to-day, especially here at Michigan where everyone is competitive. If I’m feeling discouraged, I think about what it takes to be successful and realize I can accomplish anything.