Bihuniak finished in the top ten in three amateur events. The team also spends three weeks every year competing in Florida and takes to the road regularly to compete. I'd like to finish in the top ten and finishing well at Congress and the World Show would really cap off the year. Staying in shape is also imperative. Horses gain muscle mass quickly but lose it just as fast, which means regular exercise is vital, and not just for the mount.
Most riders are lean, muscular and fit, an apt description of Bay's teammate.
She wears a black hunt cap, either a navy or hunter green jacket over a shirt called a rat catcher, britches, black gloves and riding boots. A lot of it is image. You need to look like you deserve to win the class. You can't go into the ring looking like a schlup. The judges won't even look at you.