My name is Shelley Peters. I'm currently 16, and a youth member of the NSWRHA and the NRHA.
Rider Profile: Shelley Peters
My name is Shelley Peters. I'm currently 16, and a youth member of the NSWRHA and
the NRHA.
How long have you been a member of NSWRHA:
I have only been a member of the NSWRHA for about one year now. I Joined at the
beginning of march last year.
What did you do prior to reining:
Prior to Reining I didn’t ride horses.
How long have you been involved with reining:
My dad, Greg Peters, has been a member
for over a decade, so I have been associated with the club and always attended
major shows, however I only got into actual competition Last march.
Since I was little, I always had the opportunity to ride, but I was to scared
and was interested in other sports. However, in the last few years, I started to
love horses and spent a lot of time outside with them. Eventually in January
2006, I hoped on a horse at home and dad started teaching me how to ride. And
the first time I did a turn around manoeuvre I was hooked.
What made you change to reining:
When I begun riding horses, I never had any desire to do any other
discipline,
other than reining because I grew up watching it and I became hooked.
Favourite horse that you have competed:
Because I have only rode for a year, I have only competed on one horse. His name
is Tell Me a Story, aka Blaze. He is such an awesome horse, and I am so lucky to
have him, thanks to mum and dads support. He has already taught me so much, and
makes me do everything exactly right otherwise he will cheat. He is an extremely
safe horse, and I trust him completely.
Your favourite / best competition experience:
I think my favourite competition experience was the first time I competed at a
club show and knowing I had finished my first ever pattern. It was the scariest
thing I ever did, but it was amazing. Also, every one at the show was so nice,
supportive and encouraging to me. Everyone is so friendly and helpful and it’s a
great club.
What do you enjoy most about reining?
Well I think the thing I enjoy most about reining would have to be riding with
dad at home and shows. Because dad rides, we both ride together and I love being
able to enjoy a hobby with him. We have a lot of fun and he is extremely patient
with me, and without his support I couldn’t be were I am today. Riding horses
wouldn’t be as good if I didn’t have dad to share it with. The second thing I
enjoy the most is when I have been trying so long to achieve something, like a
rundown which is controlled and what I wanted, and I finally get it. The feeling
you get when you can teach your horse something, and you have been trying to get
for so long, is much better than winning an event. Also, I must say the feeling
when you run down and do an awesome stop is amazing.
What’s in the future for you in reining i.e. horses/competition coming up:
This year I am in year 12, so school will become my major priority and I will
not be going to as many shows and competing as regularly. Next week I am going
the VRHA state show and competing in four events there, and whether I will go to
QLD will depend on my school work. I am really looking forward to the NSWRHA
state show, and unfortunately due to school commitments I will only maybe be
able to compete at the Nationals.
In the future I will also begin to ride my dads 4 year old mare, How Whiz That,
which will be a huge step up for me as she is a totally different horse and will
teach me so much more about reining.