Taylor Rund competes in a branch of competitive horseback riding known as “Hunter.” Atop Chewey, a well-mannered partner, they jump. They trot. And they win, together.
Taylor Rund, of Hilton, N. Y., and Mckenzie Casciano, of Rochester, N. Y., clean the stalls of horses from their stable during the Stepping Stone Horse Show held at the New York State Fairgrounds, Oct. 17, 2015. While other riding events occur, the girls of City View Equestrian break up the monotony of waiting by tending to their steeds. Photograph by James K. McCann
Girls, with City View Equestrian, exercise their horses during the Stepping Stone Horse Show held at the New York State Fairgrounds, Oct. 17, 2015. The girls traveled over an hour from the Rochester, N. Y. area to compete in various Hunter events such as jumping. They spend the weekend together caring for their mounts, riding, waiting, and celebrating. Photograph by James K. McCann
Chewey, Taylor’s horse, is prepared to compete in Hunter events during the Stepping Stone Horse Show held at the New York State Fairgrounds, Oct. 17, 2015. He must look his best for competition, so he receives a thorough cleaning, haircut, and brushing. Photograph by James K. McCann
Riders school their horses prior to Hunter division events during the Stepping Stone Horse Show held at the New York State Fairgrounds, Oct. 17, 2015. As their turn to compete edges closer, the riders practice, or school, their horses in a mini arena to finalize technique and stay warm as the winter months approach. Competition occurs year-round, despite bitter central New York winters. Photograph by James K. McCann
Taylor has had a love for horses for as long as she can remember. An aspiring equine veterinary surgeon, she intends to spend a career around and helping horses. Medical professionals and competition winners share a meticulous attention to detail. To prepare for the show, she takes care to ensure her hair is properly captured by a hairnet before adorning her show helmet. Photograph by James K. McCann
In competition, each rider is given a number as a means of identification. In the show, a skewed or misaligned number on the rider’s back can be the difference between a top finish and a disappointing finish. Once the number is positioned just so, she ties the strings holding it in place and buttons her blazer over the knot to keep the placement. Photography by James K. McCann
During the jumping competitions, the riders are given a very specific course to complete in a very specific order. If a rider navigates the course incorrectly, they receive a curt notification from the announcer and an end to their attempt. If a horse refuses a jump, the rider has an allotted number of attempts to complete that jump before their run ends. Photograph by James K. McCann
During the flat events, the jumps are moved to create space for half a dozen riders to move about the area to showcase to the judge the requested movements. Different events look at different aspects of the horse and rider. Some focus on the control of the horse by rider, while others look at the form and technical skill of the rider. Photograph by James K. McCann
Riders in a flat event mass at the center of the Coliseum with their backs, and rider numbers, to the judge. Several terse minutes pass as the score is tallied and the standings are announced. In Each event as many as six riders place and are awarded ribbons. Photograph by James K. McCann
In Equitation, the focus is on the horsemanship and ability of the rider. Judges of this event look at form, technique, and the ability to ride correctly. Taylor took home the top prize in her class. Photograph by James K. McCann
