A lone rider and horse gallop through the countryside, while the scenery passes. The rhythmic trot pulses through her body, while the wind blows through the hair of senior Angela Costanzo.

As a child, Costanzo developed a passion for horses after hearing stories from her parents. However, her parents refused to buy her a horse until she proved herself as responsible.

"I always wanted a horse," Costanzo said. "They require a lot of work. That is why I had to wait until I was older."

Horses must be brushed, fed and exercised at regular intervals. Costanzo received her first horse, Rosie, from a family friend when she was in eighth grade. She continues to break her eight-year-old strawberry roan.

"I started taking lessons when I was eleven," Costanzo said. "Now my mom and I ride together in our front yard."

The memory of her grandpa, who passed away in October, reminds her of his famous quote, “You got a helmet on?”, every time she rides.

Costanzo’s family moved to the edge of town in hopes of achieving solitude and a place to keep their horses. On their five-acre property east of Fresno, Costanzo and her family own a pasture where their three horses are housed, fed and exercised.

Owing horses consumes both money and time as the Costanzo family purchases about four to five bales of hay every week to provide for their horses' needs. In addition, the cost for stable up-keep and horse supplies add to the bills.

Homework and chores take up most of her time so Costanzo rarely finds time to ride during the week.

"I have about an half of an hour of chores every day," Costanzo said. "It's a lot of work, but I have learned to adapt. The hardest part of riding is getting the horses ready I have to brush them, put on a blanket and saddle.”

When it comes to style, Costanzo prefers simple, comfortable clothes such as simple jeans and a t-shirt. She finds these items practical and functional when working with horses.

Although horses have proven themselves an asset in travel, food gathering and in the military, Cotanzo enjoys barrel racing at home with Rosie.

"We sometimes have races with family and friends,” Costanzo said. “It's relaxing and fun. I get a good workout and it's great to connect with the horse.”

Despite Costanzo's passion for barrel racing, she shows little interest in competition.

"I just ride for fun," Costanzo said “I like to ride horses as a hobby and nothing more.”

Although Costanzo remains unsure on a career she plans on attending California State University, Fresno, for the spring semester and major in structural engineering. Despite her class load, she has committed to make time for riding.

Ashlyn White, ‘11, rides her horse, Rose, at the land around her house and shares Costanzo’s love for riding.

“I have connected with her since I have had her since she was born,” White said. “I enjoy getting out and riding. I like to see the nature and everything God has created.”

For information regarding the history of equestrian check out kentucky.com or for an additional rider, student profiles click here on Perri Potigian's Sept. 5, 2006, article, Horse, riders train for consistency.