Senior Francesca Badalamenti’s hard work recently paid off after winning a horse championship in Florida.
This was a national level championship held in Ocala, Florida, at the World Equestrian Center.
“I was incredibly proud of my horse and all the hard work we put in this summer,” said Badalamenti.
She has done six shows so far this year but is waiting to see what summer has to offer.
This show in particular was not a competition show; it was open for anyone to participate in and usually ranges from about 15 – 40 participants.
At the end of the year all championship finals will be held. Qualifying is based on the number of shows and money won.
“Going from not showing for a year and then going to win the classic and being champion of the division was huge for me,” said Badalamenti.
The senior has been riding horses since she was 6 and has been competing since she was 8.
One of her first trainers worked at their restaurant and offered Badalmenti a lesson, and she has ever since been riding and competing with horses.
Badalamenti’s horse is named Princess, and her show name is Imperial Princess.
She has only been riding this horse for one year and builds trust by spending ground time with her, giving her treats and feeding her everyday.
This was her first championship and classic win with Princess.
“I am very proud of the bond we created in such a short amount of time,” said the equestrian.
Badalamenti rides her horse every day as well as doing strength training four times a week.
On Monday and Tuesday she has dressage, on Wednesday and Thursday she practices jumping, on Friday she has off, and on the weekends she does flat rides and trail rides.
Initially she wanted to compete in college but has now decided to do online college, so she can focus on training and continue to compete.
