By Jim Lockwood
Staff Writer

Michelle Chase, 15, of New Boston and her horse, Turbo, have been a riding team for slightly more than a year. When these partners were paired up, Turbo was 10 years old. So far, Chase and Turbo are working hard to advance through the equestrian ranks in eventing, a sport featuring the three disciplines of Olympic horsemanship. Those disciplines are dressage, stadium jumping and cross country. The duo practices almost every day for up to two hours per session. (Jim Lockwood Photo)

NEW BOSTON – Michelle Chase has heard it before from her friends: Her activity of choice isn’t a sport.

It’s tough to imagine, considering this New Boston 15-year-old must remain physically fit like a triathlete, own the grace of a ballerina and have the ability to co-exist with a teammate.

Chase competes in the equestrian version of a triathlon called “eventing,” which requires unique skills testing the abilities of the rider and horse. The sport features the three disciplines necessary to become an Olympic equestrian — dressage, stadium jumping and cross country riding.

The results from recent competitions show Chase and her horse, Turbo, are strongest in jumping events. They also show the tandem needs to improve in dressage.

“You have to have strong arm muscles, stomach muscles and leg muscles,” said Chase, who began taking riding lessons when she was 8 years old. “You pretty much build up your muscles when you’re riding. I know my leg muscles are stronger because I’ve had to kick my horse so much.”

In the first horse trial of her career, the Kingsbury Hill Horse Trial on Sunday, Aug. 21, Chase won first place in a beginner-level event. With the win, she qualified to compete at the sport’s next level — beginner novice — next year.

However, after her dressage, which tested for form, technique and how well horse and rider work together as they maneuver around a flat ring, Chase was surprised to be in fifth place because she didn’t know what to expect in competition.

At that point, winning wasn’t on her mind, even though the cross country and stadium portions were upcoming. Cross country involved running through the woods and jumping over ditches and banks, while stadium involved clearing jumps in an arena setting.

During the stadium routine, Chase said Turbo sometimes loses focus and begins to buck. But in the cross country, his attention is locked on what’s ahead.

On Aug. 21, Chase and Turbo did well in both portions. They didn’t have any time faults or knock down any rails. Turbo didn’t refuse any jumps, which would’ve been counted against them in the final standings.

So far, training for the dressage is Chase’s biggest challenge.

In the dressage, horses and riders are judged on their technique, beauty and gracefulness, similar to how figure skaters or gymnasts are judged in their respective sports.

Horse and rider are expected to be in good form and work as a team together. Thus, a horse must obey its master.

Chase admitted Turbo can be stubborn at times. When her horse becomes difficult, she has to be firm with him, but not overly strict.

In practice, Chase balances her time between flat work and jumping. The teen knows she must be equally adept at all three phases if she’s going to advance through the various levels of competition.

And if that is going to happen, Chase has to continue spending time practicing, even though her friends might tell her she’s not participating in a sport.

“There’ll be times when my friends will want me to do stuff,” Chase said. “And I’ll have to tell them no because I’m training.”