In the Spotlight: Genevieve Munson, How to Reach High as A Young Rider

When did you start riding, and was it love at first sight?

2004 is when I started riding. My parents brought a Mini in the house for me as a baby. Yes it was love at first sight. My parents said that when they tried to take me off of a pony as a baby I would scream until they put me back on!

Who would you say has been one of your biggest mentors?

Linda Allen is the mentor who has most influenced.

You often ride the ever handsome Zonderling. What is his personality, and does he have any fun quirks or habits? If he was shopping what treats would he pick?

Zonderling, aka Joey, is a 16.2h KWPN gelding. He is very quirky, which is how I got him. He usually trots off or goes bucking when you mount him, and if he doesn’t feel like doing what you ask he might run sideways or leap into the air. Leading him is a bit of a task, and you’re best to just let him lead you! He does all of this jovially and would never dream of hurting someone intentionally. He’s just a big goofball! Zonderling means “weirdo” in Dutch. He’s also not a “morning horse” and prefers to be worked after his mid-morning nap and some turnout. He is extremely talented and tends to goof off when we are jumping smaller fences. He is honestly easiest to ride in the Grand Prix’s! His favorite treat is a peppermint, and he will run you over to get one!

What has been your greatest achievement so far, and do you have any big goals planned for your future?

Fortunately, there have been blessings of success in the show ring over my career. It is difficult to pinpoint just one. 2014 US Pony Jumper National Championship kinda of put me on the map. The Team Silver Medal in the 2016 CSIO Nations Cup and the Team Silver Medal at 2019 Prix De States are a few of the highlights. Goals for this year include podium finishes at NAYC and Prix de States. Long term goals include: World Cup events, Youth Nations Cup, and the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

You have such a busy schedule, juggling school, training, competing. What is your routine to make it all fit into the day?

Feeding and stalls from 8-9 in the winter mornings is priority. Working 4-6 horses begins thereafter. A quick late lunch and start on my schoolwork before going to do evening chores at 5. I like to try to make dinner for the family about 3x per week, too. On the weekends we usually work all day. On days that the weather is bad, we kind of get a “day off” to clean the house and concentrate on school. In the summer It is important to get on 1-2 horses before feeding at 8 to beat the heat and then work the rest. Except when showing, Sundays are usually off days for horses and rider summer-fall.

Do you have any tips for fellow young riders who have their eye on the higher levels?

Riding all different types of horses is important. Get on as often as possible, and ride with many people. Seek out top riders and clinicians and go do a clinic with them or watch their videos. So much can be learned out of the saddle. I cannot stress the value of horse management skills enough. Set goals!

Do you have any other hobbies?

I enjoy designing courses and collecting Breyer models.

What is your favorite Sterling Essentials fragrance?

Floral Citrus is my favorite fragrance.

Keep up with all of Genevieve’s latest happenings by following at: https://www.instagram.com/__just_jump_it__/?hl=en

Genevieve Munson is sponsored by Sterling Essentials.