From an early age, Junior Ava Robinson has enjoyed riding horses. Her two current horses, Shaz and Pepper, are part of the barrel horse community and Robinson competes with them in events such as pole bending. Pole bending is when a horse and one mounted rider weave around six poles arranged in a line. This event, while sometimes challenging for Robinson, is a lot of fun for her.

As for Shaz and Pepper, they have completely different personalities. Shaz, a five-year-old female, is unpredictable. Depending on the day, she can either be a sweetheart or want nothing to do with anyone. Pepper, on the other hand, is very sweet, and he never fails to cuddle up to Robinson. 

“My favorite memory with my horses would have to be when they met each other for the first time. Shaz was the new girl in the barn and Pepper didn’t know how to react, he hated seeing me with another horse!” Robinson recounts.

Robinson plans to continue riding after graduation, but also states that she will not let it take away from her college work.