Race Ready to
Chasing Dreams as a Teenaged Jockey Story and Photos by Lizz Daniels
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iddle School is where adolescents first begin their coming-ofage story. There is a magic about this period of life where first dances happen, and stress rears its head for the first time that can allow teenagers to blossom beyond their years and discover passions that carry them on through high school and into the real world. This very thing is happening in Seguin’s AJB where Eduardo Hernandez attends school. At first glance, Eddy appears just like a typical quiet kid going about his school day, struggling with all the difficulties of school
life, but when the last bell rings each day –– his world changes. “I like to hang out with the horses, ride them, run them, feel the breeze,” said Hernandez. “I started riding with Shetland ponies, the first one I rode was like two years ago. I feel like I have anxiety, and then chilling with them calms me down.” Nowadays, Eddy isn’t just riding but is full-on racing quarter horses in one versus one match races where mounts can reach speeds up to 37 miles per hour. It’s an intense sport that requires mental and physical discipline along with countless hours in the saddle preparing.
