The four-time Ocean County Equestrian of the Year got a promotion when she was named the 2019 New Jersey Equestrian of the Year by the New Jersey Equine Advisory Board.
Riley Chenoweth-Hafner of Manahawkin, a 17-year-old junior at Southern Regional High School,
represented the N.J. Pony Breeders and Owners at the 62nd Annual New Jersey Breeders’ Luncheon in Hamilton Jan. 27.
A rider since the age of eight, Riley joined the 4-H Horse Program the following year. She has been on the National 4-H Roundup Communications and Horse Judging teams,judged at the American Quarter Horse Congress and is president of the Equine Science 4-H Club in Ocean County. She also has volunteered as a ring steward for Olympic eventing qualifiers at the Horse Park of New Jersey and worked on the ring crew for Central Jersey Horse Shows.
“I think probably what made me fall in love with horses is that whenever I was around them, it felt like they understood everything I was saying,” she said. “It’s like they can relate to me and understand my emotions. It kind of grew my love for them. They seem to love me just as much as I love them.”
“Riley’s distinguished work with horses in a dedicated and compassionate manner shows why she has been chosen to represent the industry as the Equestrian of the Year,” said state Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher.
“Her love for horses started at a young age and she will be a proud ambassador for the Garden State and an outstanding role model to encourage children and others who are interested in equine activities.”
Riley has a rescue pony named Dante and has done extensive work with her thoroughbred, Rocky, also a rescue she has been working with for three years.
“Rocky had a lot of issues with being scared, so my main goal has been to get him into a show ring,” Riley said. “Mostly I train him to get him used to the sights and sounds. We went to a show last fall and that was his first big show. We slowly worked him up to that and we are hoping to do more showing this summer.”
She would like to attend Stockton University and eventually become a veterinarian. Being involved with horses has helped Riley understand the importance of patience with herself and others.
“When you are training a young horse, you can do something one day and they get it, and then come back the next day and they may act like they have never seen that lesson,” Riley said. “You have to work on their terms, not yours. It’s taught me to not get uptight when something doesn’t go right. I’ve learned to take a step back, relax, and then go forward again.”
As Equestrian of the Year, Riley will attend functions hosted by the New Jersey Equine Advisory Board and represent the Board at various events.