I am wondering whether to include “equestrian” on my Common App activities list. I have been raising and primarily training my horse (I’m a Midwestern girl) since 7th grade when she wasn’t quite a yearling.
It has been an incredible learning process and a great responsibility to learn how to care for a large animal, work with them, bond with them, and grapple obstacles with them.
However, my family doesn’t show horses. We simply do trail riding and Western pleasure. Competitive equestrian sports are very expensive and my family determined before I was born that they didn’t wish to participate in competitions due to the nepotism they experienced.
Therefore, I have no competition history or awards from training her.
Should I list this as a Common App activity? It may contribute to the athletics category or just show personal growth/dedication. I have unlimited activities since I’m a transfer student.
What are your thoughts?