Over and over again I am asked what sport I play. I respond with "I am an equestrian." Without fail, people will tell me it's not a sport, it's easy, and that there is absolutely no skill involved.

But I have to ask -- have you ever trusted something that is so unpredictable? Have you ever fallen from ten feet in the air while traveling between 30 and 35 miles per hour? Have you ever been bucked off a 1400 pound animal and have to dust yourself off again and keep trying harder? What about jumping over something taller than you? Or performing an intricate routine with an animal that doesn't speak the same language as you?

Before you underestimate our sport, put yourself in our shoes -- or saddles -- and ask yourself: have you had a teammate that was ten times your size? Or put your life in the hands of another animal with a mind of its own?

Do you still think it's easy? The horse world takes so much time, money, and discipline. It's about time riders get the respect they deserve. We spend countless hours out at the barn training ourselves and our horses to be in the best shape we can possibly be in. The reason it looks so easy is because we practice it that way. It takes a certain amount of finesse to make our sport look effortless. There are so many minute details that happen during each step the horse takes. Whether it's the squeeze of your fingers around the reins or a slight jab with your spurs for support, something is always happening. If it looks like the horse is doing all the work, we're doing it right.

Lets abandon the "weird horse girl" stereotype. Lets show those who don't understand what our sport is all about. Equestrians are strong-willed, passionate, and driven athletes, just like a football player or basketball player is perceived to be. It's about time equestrians are viewed as more than just "pony riders."