For the Love of Horses
Most little girls dream of horses; for Alyson Bushey that dream has become a reality. A Beaufort High School student who enjoys listening to country music, running, and various forms of dance including jazz, tap, and hip-hop, Alyson is passionate about horses. Despite her pleas to begin riding when she was six years old, it was nearly four years before she took her first riding lesson. At the age of fifteen, Alyson has established an impressive riding resume marked by nearly thirty championships ranging from ‘Walk, Trot’ divisions to ‘Short-Stirrup’, and beyond. With long golden hair and a sweet smile, Alyson enjoys riding on the river with friends or indulging in her favorite ice cream, mint-chocolate chip. A quintessential teenager, her future dreams and aspirations have yet to be defined, although one thing is certain – horses will always be a part of her life.
Walking through the barn, the sweet scent of hay perfumes the air as cats scurry about and newly weaned goats bawl in the distance. Several horses stand in the aisle, tails swishing violently at flies while their owners groom them after an early morning ride. Popping his head over the stall door, a horse with soulful eyes and a majestic countenance softly nickered a greeting. Alyson’s horse, Tuck Everlasting, otherwise known around the barn as Tucker, is a twenty-five year old bay thoroughbred. Patting his muzzle, the strong connection between them is apparent; there are few bonds stronger than that of a girl and her horse. Alyson went on to say she has read the book and seen the movie, Tuck Everlasting, for which her horse is named, and that she loved them both. One of Alyson’s proudest achievements with Tucker has been training him to jump three-foot fences; he was only jumping two-foot fences when she purchased him.
After slipping a leather halter with bright red lead over Tucker’s head, Alyson led 17-hand gelding outside, his glossy coat shimmering in the sunlight. In the marsh nearby an egret took flight catching Tucker’s attention, his ears perking up as he stood at attention like a sentinel. Alyson’s friend and fellow rider, Catherine Coxwell, was on hand to assist with Tucker, one indication of the loyalty between the two girls. In fact, one of Alyson’s fondest memories involves Catherine. “One afternoon we were leading the horses to their pastures. After releasing Tucker in his paddock, Catherine and I rode double on her horse. As we hurried to get to the next pasture, we failed to notice the low-hanging tree limb. It didn’t knock us off but it knocked my earrings out and we haven’t found them yet!” The two girls giggled as the story was told, reveling in the special memories shared by equestrians that last a lifetime.
Alyson rides on an equestrian team, sporting the team’s colors of blue and black, in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA), an organization focusing on promoting and improving riding instruction for middle and high school students. Competing in hunters, jumpers, and equitation, her favorite event is jumpers as she enjoys the adrenaline rush. Another activity interest for Alyson is fox hunting. “I’ve been on one fox hunt and enjoyed it. I hope to do it again.”
Competition has been an integral and highly gratifying part of her riding experience as she has participated in several different showing organizations. “I won ‘end-of-the-year’ championships in three divisions of the Southern Classic Show organization (Walk, Trot; Baby Green, 18”; and Short-Stirrup, 2’) and took home fifteen ribbons in several flat classes such as ‘Walk, Trot’ and ‘Walk, Trot, Canter’ at my first 4-H horse show, one of my proudest moments. My most memorable event was winning the over fences class in the pouring rain at my first IEA horse show. To relax just before entering the show ring, I take a deep breath and think to myself, I can do this,” she says.
“I have traveled as far as Columbia, SC to compete and I hope some day to travel to Ocala, Florida for horse shows.” When asked where she displays her awards she responded humbly that the ribbons drape her walls and trophies sit upon shelves commemorating her showing successes. Like many riders, Alyson expressed an interest in someday competing on the US Olympic team in the Three Day Event, which is an intense competition involving three components; cross-country riding, show jumping, and dressage. Her parents, Brian and Sylvia, and older brother Brian, are quite supportive of her efforts, encouraging her in all of her pursuits. According to Alyson, the most influential person in her life has been her grandmother. “My grandmother, with her on-the-go energy and positive attitude, inspires me.”
Over the course of this summer, Alyson has been a counselor for riding camps held at the barn. Several campers, clad in riding boots with ponytails, darted about as lunch was served at a well-worn picnic table sandwiched in between the old red barn and the grasses of the salt marsh.
When asked what she would do if given three wishes, her response was classic Carolina girl: first she wished Tucker to be younger and more athletic; the second was to travel to California – a state which she has come to appreciate through photos; and third, to own a Ford F-150 Raptor truck. Alyson also hopes one day to own her favorite breed of horse, the KWPN, a Dutch warm blood known for its physical and mental strength and ease of riding.
Alyson’s passionate nature and quiet demeanor have resulted in an impressive riding career thus far. A true Lowcountry spirit, Alyson’s interests are as diversified as her talents whether dancing, running, riding on the river, or riding horses. With her tenacious spirit and family support, she will no doubt be successful in her future endeavors inspiring others to follow their equestrian dream.
Story by KIM POOVEY
Photography by SUSAN DELOACH
