OCALA, FL (352oday.com) – Samantha Furanna was two-and-a-half years old, sitting in the backseat of her mom’s car as they drove down a country road in Milton, Ontario. In her periphery, she spotted a pony basking in the sunlight in an open field.

She recalls feeling an intense desire to ride that pony – a feeling she has never let go of.

She grabbed the reigns at age 5 and has been riding horses and competing in equestrian events around the globe ever since.

Samantha Furanna leaps over the barricades during competition on Friday, March 22, 2024, in Ocala. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Samantha Furanna competing aboard Fine Line HH at the World Equestrian Center. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Samantha Furanna pictured with her trainer, Rachel Schnurr, at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, FL, on Friday, March 22, 2024. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today

Now, nearly a decade and an arduous 1,800-mile trip later, she finds herself at the World Equestrian Center (WEC) in Ocala.

Samantha was one of many young riders who competed in the Low Children’s Equitation on Friday afternoon just outside the main ring at WEC. Samantha explained the event is more a test of a rider than the horse.

“It’s mostly about me,” said Samantha. “How I ride. How I handle different situations and stuff like that.”

The event consisted of a flat and two separate jumping classes. In order to maximize points, riders have to show finesse by showcasing the different gaits of the horse, during the flat section. Riders are also required to demonstrate proper control of the horse. For example, a judge will shout “Halt!” over a loudspeaker. It’s then up to the rider to slow the horse down as swiftly and smoothly as possible. The smoother the execution, the higher the point total.

For the jumps, riders have to leap over fences that measure 2 feet, 6 inches in height while maintaining proper composure of their horse.

|FUTURE EQUESTRIANS: Check out these absolutely adorable PHOTOS from the Leadline Class at the World Equestrian Center

Aboard a five-year old mare named Fine Line HH, Samantha made the difficult tasks look easy. So effortless, you’d never know the two have only been riding together for about four months.

“If you have good horsemanship, you can do anything in this sport,” said Samantha. “Having a good relationship with a horse so that it trusts you, it’s such a nice thing to have.”

Their bond was unbreakably firm on Friday, as Samantha was crowned the champion of her division.

Samantha is already looking to the next horizon. She said she plans to begin training to participate in jumping competitions.

Whatever the future holds, there’s no doubt Samantha will be in the saddle.