Athlete Spotlight: Paige Walkenbach
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The mindset shift
I am currently an eighteen-year-old freshman riding on the jumping seat side of SMU’s DivisionI Equestrian Team. Finishing my junior career last fall was incredibly meaningful, but it also came with a lot of built-up pressure to be perfect as my time as a junior was coming to an end. Now, entering my first year as an amateur, I’m intentionally shifting my mindset. This year is about taking a deep breath, relaxing, and truly enjoying the sport for everything it has to offer. My single goal is to have fun. I am extremely grateful to SMU for the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level while still being able to pursue my own journey outside of collegiate athletics.
"My single goal is to have fun"
The partnerships
I feel incredibly blessed to be continuing my journey with many of the horses I rode last year. In the hunters, I will be competing with Babylon, San Pedro 15, and Princeton, while Chacco Star,Cent 15, and Clooney 62 will be my equitation horses. Throughout my junior years, I had the opportunity to truly get to know each of these horses including their personalities, strengths, and unique styles. Each one has always given me their all, which never fails to leave me in awe. I value their trust, their commitment to me and my trainers, and their drive to compete. I am so excited to continue building my partnership with these horses I love so deeply; it is truly an honor.
Trusting the journey
In our sport, there are moments when it feels like all the odds are stacked against you, and burnout can set in quickly. During those times, my thoughts often spiral— What am I doing wrong? Am I good enough? When the light at the end of the tunnel feels dim, it can be tempting to give up. However, I’ve learned that those are the moments that matter the most. They are the moments when you have to keep pushing, even when it feels uncomfortable or pointless.Everyone has their own timing, and everyone will have their moment to shine. Learning to trust the journey, especially when it’s difficult, has shaped me into a stronger, more resilient rider both in and out of the ring.
"my mental preperation is largely about shaping my mindset"
Personally, my mental preparation is largely about shaping my mindset. Before important competitions, my mind can easily fill with anxiety and intrusive thoughts, so it is essential for me to slow down and find calm. I’m very fortunate to have a trainer who knows me well and truly understands my pre-competition mindset. He reminds me to take deep breaths and stays calm and supportive, even when mistakes happen, which helps me reset and refocus.
Physically, preparation means a lot of time in the saddle, paired with working out. I love incorporating reformer pilates, lagree, weightlifting, and hot yoga into my routine, as they help me build strength, balance, and awareness, both in and out of the ring.
The importance of kindness
The single most important thing I have learned from being an equestrian is the importance of kindness. Not solely kindness to other individuals, but kindness to oneself, and to the incredible animals that make this sport possible. Without kindness, this sport would fall apart. In a world so focused on competition and results, it can be easy to lose sight of those values, which is why there is always room, and always a need, for more kindness.
One more thing I’ve learned from this sport is that you truly become who you surround yourself with. I have been fortunate enough to have found my people in this sport and community. Every professional who has guided me has led with kindness, humility, and compassion toward both riders and horses. That environment is essential in this sport, not only for growth and success but for shaping the kind of person and athlete you become.
Next steps
I plan to take my riding career one step at a time. I hope to qualify for some amateur finals, have the opportunity to compete again at the USET finals, and continue challenging myself by exploring new opportunities with my hunters.