SLIM BUTTES, PINE RIDGE RESERVATION – Bernice, a 5th grader at Maȟpíya Lúta a 10-year-old rising star from Slim Buttes, recently took home the title at the prestigious Champion of Champions Youth Ndn Pony Relay in Casper, Wyoming. In an interview, Bernice shares her journey, her love for horses, and what drives her to succeed.
Q: Congratulations on your big win, Bernice! Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Bernice: My name is Bernice. I’m 10 years old and I live in Slim Buttes on the Pine Ridge Reservation. My parents are Justina Brown Eyes and Elliot Brewer, and my grandparents are Sandra Pettigrew, Bamm Brewer, and Cecelia Brown Eyes.
Q: How did you first get involved in horse riding and racing?
Bernice: I’ve been riding horses my whole life. My dad and uncle Matt have their own relay team. I watched my dad ride, and it looked like so much fun! I love to run on horses, and I wanted to be just like him. I’ve been riding my ponies since I was 5, but I only got into racing last year. I even won a few times last year before I broke my arm, which made me really sad because I couldn’t ride for seven weeks.
Q: What do you love most about racing?
Bernice: I love going fast and feeling the wind in my face. As I started going to more races, I got better, and I wanted to win even more. The cheering from the crowd is so exciting – they cheer loud like they do for the big races!
Q: How do you train for races?
Bernice: Once I could ride again after my injury, I told my dad I wanted to do the pony relay, so my parents got me two more ponies. My horse Bluey was green broke, so I had to ride him every day. I rode my ponies all summer, practicing jumping on and off them and running them around barrels to get them ready. You have to have balance so you don’t fall off, and you can’t be scared – my dad always says riding scared can be dangerous. But I’m not scared of any of my horses.
Q: How do you build a connection with your ponies?
Bernice: My dad says horses can feel your heartbeat, so I try to stay calm. I talk to them like they’re my real friends, especially my white pony, Diego. When I’m on him, I can say, “Come on, boy,” and he knows what to do. My other ponies are still learning.
Q: What was it like winning the championship?
Bernice: I was so happy, I cried – I was proud of myself and my team because we practiced all summer. During the championship race, all I was thinking was “whip, whip, whip, jump off, get on, go.” I kept looking at the big screen and saw Parker right behind me, and I didn’t want him to catch me, so I kept pushing myself and my pony.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from racing?
Bernice: The most important thing I’ve learned is to stay focused and not listen to everyone. Don’t be scared, have fun, and practice!
Q: What are your goals for next year?
Bernice: I need to be faster and have really good exchanges. I’m going to practice that as much as I can. Someday, I want to be a jockey or have my own ranch with lots of horses and ponies.
Q: How do you celebrate a big win like this?
Bernice: We have dinner, and I hope my mom and dad get me a big horse!
Bernice’s passion for horses and determination to improve make her a young rider to watch in future races. With her focus and drive, she’s sure to keep making waves in the world of pony relay racing.