Rhena Zeman’s journey with horses began when she was just a child. Around the age of seven or eight, she discovered a passion for riding after watching the show "Spirit Riding Free." This early fascination turned into a deep-seated desire to ride, and it wasn't long before she was immersed in the equestrian world.
The first time Rhena rode in a structured lesson with a trainer, she knew she had found something special. "I just really wanted to ride more and started to feel a connection with horses," she says. This connection only grew stronger as she continued to ride, eventually leading her to Caliber, a horse with whom she would form a profound bond.
Caliber was unlike any other horse Rhena had ridden. "I never really had a real connection to a horse until I started leasing Caliber," she recalls. "Caliber was the sweetest horse, but I also learned that you can’t push it. It takes a while to get to the point where you can start jumping meters. Caliber was very patient and very caring." This relationship taught Rhena invaluable lessons about patience, dedication, and understanding, shaping her approach to riding and life.
Working with horses has not been without its challenges for Rhena. One of the biggest hurdles she faced was overcoming a lack of confidence, especially when jumping. "I lost a lot of my confidence and was scared to jump him. I still do have this problem with other horses, but instead of worrying about falling off before a jump, you have to think about how good the jump is gonna be and think positively. Horses pick up on their rider’s feelings," she explains. This realization has helped Rhena build a more positive and trusting relationship with her horses.
A typical day for Rhena at the barn is filled with routine and care. She starts her mornings early, preparing herself and then heading to the barn around 9:00 or 9:30. There, she goes through her routine of getting a treat for Caliber, grooming, and tacking up before heading to the arena. "If it was a jumping day, my trainer would come out, make sure that the jumps were set up, then we would finish off with a little jumping lesson," she describes. This daily routine reinforces the bond between Rhena and Caliber, as well as her dedication to her craft.
Forming a connection with a horse is about more than just riding. Rhena emphasizes the importance of spending quality time with her horse outside of training. "I formed a connection with Caliber by hanging out with him in his stall, giving him his favorite green apples and treats," she says. These moments of simple companionship are what deepen the trust and understanding between horse and rider.
One particularly memorable experience for Rhena was a quiet day at the barn when most people were away at a show. While trotting in the covered arena, a coyote wandered into the uncovered arena and lay in the shavings. "It clearly had no desire to come near the horses, so we kept our distance. After it left, I named it Georgina the second," she recalls with a smile. This moment encapsulates the serene and unexpected joys that come with spending time at the barn.
Looking ahead, Rhena has big dreams. She aspires to compete in Grand Prix show jumping and possibly even the Olympics. Her advice for new riders is simple yet profound: "Take your time and work on building the right form and seat before you start jumping. It does take a while to get to the point, but if you put in the work and patience you can definitely get to that level."
Rhena Zeman’s story is a testament to the deep and meaningful relationships that can be formed between kids and their pets. In her case, her horse is not just an animal but a friend, a guide, and a constant source of inspiration. In the equestrian-rich area of Sonoran Foothills, her journey resonates with many, highlighting the unique bond between humans and their equine companions.