MEET THE JUNIOR Danielle Walker

Hi, my name is Danielle Walker. I am 11 years old. I live in the Pacific Southwest region in the Sunland, California, area. I have been competing for three years.

I have done all my rides on my horse Sass. He is a 19 year old Arab gelding, and he is the best. I love him so. I have another horse that is a yearling mustang; Cody Stitch is his name. I plan on doing many 100s on him, and hopefully doing the Pan American and World Equestrian Games with him too.

I ride with my mom [Tara Walker Nollner]. She's the one who sponsors me. I have a lot of fun riding with her, and my family and friends. We did two years of limited distance rides to condition my gelding. Now that we're doing 50s, it's so much better because I get to ride twice as long.

My goal is to someday do the Pam Am games. But first, I have many rides to do. I will be doing my first 100 this year. It will be my horse's first too. I am working hard to condition him and myself so I can finish with a strong and happy horse.

One of my favorite rides was the Fireworks 50 in the West Region. It's the most beautiful ride and it was also my first 50. We did the Western States 50 and had a blast, but that was a learning experience too. I learned a lot, especially about how to take care of myself and my horse. Like hydration--when you're riding, it's not just about your horse's hydration, it's about yours too. I got really sick on that ride. I didn't drink enough water. So I try to learn something new on each ride we do, so I can be a better rider and take better care of my horse.

I really like to ride with other juniors, because there's more to talk about like school stuff and horses and things.

I admire Amy Schneider as a junior rider because she has accomplished the goals that I want to accomplish. I know I can get them done if she can get them done. She is my idol. She and her family have been very nice to me and have given me great advice on how to accomplish my goals.

I am looking forward to the 2005 ride year, so Sass and I can do many miles together and ride in new places and meet new people--hopefully lots of AERC junior riders.

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