Happy but stressed. Nervous but relieved. Since she was nine years old, those are the feelings she’s encountered.
Sophomore Holly Thompson gives all to her sport of racing horses. And it’s not just a sport to Thompson. It’s a hobby, a passion, a lifestyle. It’s her everything.
“I’m really passionate about it,” Thompson said. “It gives me faith.”
Thompson purchased her first horse at nine years old, and that’s when she started racing. After just one year. she received her first award. She place first at CCRA (Circle C. Road to Association). Winning her first race gave her an adrenaline rush that would forever be remembered. And this was only the beginning.
“My first race was kind of nerve racking,” Thompson said.
Before the horse, before the recognition, and before she knew what it felt like to win, she always wanted to raise and race her own horses. She held onto that, and achieved it.
Seven years ago, Thompson would never have though she’d place first in more than five major competitions. Or that her room would be taken over by trophies, certificates and photographs of her accomplishments. But this is exactly what happened.
“I’ve always known she’s been determined,” said junior Dominique Villarreal, who has known Thompson since she was seven. She’s very focused and good with her horses.”
Between personal training, horse training and making sure the horses get all their vitamins and supplements, time becomes important.
“You only have so much of it,” Thompson said.
While it’s a lot of work, she’s diligent and it’s something Thompson will never give up. Racing keeps her sane, motivated and passionate.
“My horses are my life, my everything,” Thompson said. “It’s just kind of weird, after being around my horses for so long, they just become my babies. I have to take care of them, understand and love them. You have to trust your horse.”
She’s had a lot of success, and with that success, unforgettable memories and most importantly fun. Racing horses makes her feel like there is nothing in this world that can’t be done.
It makes her feel like royalty.
“Like looking back at it, it was kind of a kingdom. Going up into the gate was crossing the moat,” Thompson said. “You feel all the pressure in the world. We start to pick up speed and start running into that first barrel and it turns into my castle. I came out with a win, and felt like a queen.”