Chasing greatness

Kanyon Walker doesn’t shy away from hard work.

Horseback riding six days a week?

Done.

Football practice, too?

No problem.

Evening barn chores to round things out?

Why not?

He gets up early and heads home late because that’s what greatness takes — and that’s exactly what he’s after.

The 17-year-old from Leesburg, Florida, is among the field of elite young riders at this weekend’s 2018 Adequan/FEI North American Youth Championships.

The Event is a world-class equine triathlon held at Rebecca Farm, west of Kalispell. Between July 18-22, riders and their mounts will tackle the disciplines of dressage, cross-country and show jumping. Together, the three sports make up eventing — a formidable test of athleticism for both horse and rider.

But Walker stands out from the pack in more ways than one.

He doesn’t come from money like so many of the upper echelon horsemen and women. Instead, his mom, a nurse practitioner, picks up extra weekend shifts to support her son’s equine journey.

And secondly, he not only rides at a high level, but plays football, too. He plays cornerback for his high school team and he’s good, really good. Good enough that 14 universities have offered him football scholarships.

To be this competitive at two sports so different from one another requires an unparalleled work ethic.

And this is where Walker really shines.

He doesn’t complain, doesn’t make excuses — he puts in the time.

“Football doesn’t care that I was riding all weekend — I still have to workout,” he said.

His days often begin with a college class, followed by riding, high school in the afternoon, football practice and then back to the barn for chores in the evening. And when it comes to riding practice, Walker is all in.

“I’m one of those that’ll walk [the course] 25 times so that when I’m on, it’s there,” Walker said. “I do the same thing with football. I train in a way that when I get to the game, I’m not thinking. You think too much and you second guess yourself.”

And there’s no time for that in the equestrian world, especially when he might be sailing over a 3-foot-7-inch jump with eyes peeled for the next one.

His strategy for The Event?

“Attacking it — not taking anything for granted,” he said.

It’s a principle that holds true when it comes to his family. With Walker’s demanding schedule — which also includes taking college classes — he doesn’t have time to get a job, so he relies on his parents for support. The young athlete is quick to recognize that without his parents, Kayce and Sheldon, his dream of riding and playing ball at the top of his game simply wouldn’t be possible.

“I really couldn’t do it without them,” Walker said. “They always do everything they possibly can to make it happen so the least I can do is give my all when I ride.”

Young riders from across the country are divided into eight regional teams called areas. Walker will ride for Area 1 which will make him eligible for team medals as well as individual awards.

“I wouldn’t trade it for anything. If it’s stuff you love, it’s not too much work,” he said, smiling. “I told myself when I was 10 that whether it was shoe shining or table tennis, I wanted to be great at something.”

Reporter Mackenzie Reiss may be reached at 758-4433 or mreiss@dailyinterlake.com.