Paloma Primavera of Aptos is a top high school athlete who will compete in her sport —equestrian riding — in college.
Aptos Times interviewed her in connection with her signing a letter of intent to compete at Fresno State University.
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At what age did you start to ride equestrian? What motivated you?
Paloma Primavera celebrating a successful ride.
I started riding when I was 4 years old. My passion for the sport started when my dad took my sister and I on a trail ride up at Mount Madonna.
Tell me about the horse you are riding now.
I just have one horse named Beckham, and he is truly one in a million.
We bought him two years ago. He is a grey 13-year-old Holsteiner, and is 18 hands tall.
Where do you practice and how often?
I ride with Crystal Nelson at Crystal Nelson Equestrian in Watsonville, 4-5 days a week.
What has helped you get to the point where you are now — National 18 & under championships — A coach? Time invested? Something else?
My trainer Crystal has really pushed me and inspired me to achieve all my equestrian dreams. I couldn’t have gotten to where I am today without her.
None of this would’ve been possible without the horses and ponies that have also taught me and brought me along. Just last year I achieved my greatest accomplishment and that was winning the NorCal Junior Medal 3’6”.
All of my time is spent at the barn or traveling to competitions. I just got home from competing in Pennsylvania and Kentucky for two national finals; those were two of my biggest goals, and I was happy that they both went really well.
What made you select Fresno State? What will you study there? What are your aspirations for competition?
After searching for the school that suited me best, I choose Fresno State. I choose this school because the girls and the coaches are super welcoming and kind.
The team aspect was a really big part of my decision because I will be spending the majority of my time with them and I wanted to be on a team that was uplifting and actually supported each other.
I am not 100% decided on what I will study, but I am leaning towards studying business.
My biggest goal for when I am on the team would be becoming an “All American” rider and helping my team make it to nationals during my four years there.
Watch Primavera on some of her rides at www.youtube.com/@palomaprimavera9574