Cara Walker of Columbia, Missouri, took home another first place win for Team USA with the second class of the day, hunter under saddle. Riding 17-hand For The General, owned by Sherry Newbigging of Cambridge, Ontario, Cara topped a field of 46. The Journal caught up with Cara by the Team USA stalls. 

Can you tell me about your ride?

I had picked the horse the first day. He’s the one I wanted to use. So I’ve been riding him. I was so excited to show in hunter under saddle because I don’t have a hunter under saddle horse. I rode him around, and I schooled him and warmed him up. He was just awesome. He showed great. He didn’t try anything. It was a lot of fun.

You were third place under one judge and first place under the other. Did that third place disappoint you?

Not really. I had been watching the other horses, and I knew there were a couple of other really nice horses out there. I was happy to be in the top five and do well.

Was it hard for you and For The General to become a team for this event?

Not at all. I love “Shorty.” He was the first horse I messed with here. I actually showed him in showmanship, too, and I was fourth. He was great. I love him. He has a lot of try. He tries very hard. I love the horse.

What do you like about the hunter under saddle class?

I think the class gives you the opportunity to really show off your horse. I like to be out there and be competitive and fight for a spot on the rail. I had to really work to get a spot on the rail in that pen with those big horses, and it is kind of a small arena, so it was a challenge. I really like to show in hunter under saddle and going faster. I only have a 15.3 all-around horse, and I never show him in under saddle. I just do eq. I think I did a pretty good job showing Shorty, but I was just happy to experience it and now I want a hunter under saddle horse.

Did the hunter under saddle clinic help you?

It really did. Because I don’t know under saddle as well. My trainer back home doesn’t specialize in under saddle so I had never really gotten a lot of instruction in it, so it was very informative with the showing and just how to feel my horse a little better and know what’s going to happen in the class.

What have you enjoyed most about the Youth World Cup so far?

Meeting every one. It’s been really nice, all the trips we take in the evening and stuff, getting to hang out with others from other countries. Of course we have a million questions on what’s different from their home. It’s fun meeting every one. Also, I like being a part of a team. We have fun planning everything out and working out who’s going to ride who and who’s best in what. It gives you a charge. It’s nice to work as a team and figure out and make decisions for ourselves.

Is there anyone you want to thank?

Definitely my coach Nancy (Cahill). This was my first time to work with Nancy. I would always see her at the horse shows and watched her school and how she trains but this is my first time to actually get instruction from her. I love her. She’s very helpful and very guiding. I also want to thank my whole team and my parents. They have all been great. I really want to thank all the people who helped to get me here.

Fun Fact: For The General is at least 17 hands tall but he’s called “Shorty” by his owners. He’s a favorite of Team USA and all the riders want to show him.

To read more about Cara, click here.