Freestyle reining is a horse riding competition where riders guide their horses through a series of choreographed moves that are set to music. When it’s done well, the horse and rider are so in sync they seem to be reading each other’s minds. That’s just what happened in Heather Johnson’s amazing performance at the 2014 Kentucky Reining Cup Freestyle Reining World Championship.
According to Horse and Rider, freestyle riders are required to do four well-executed turns, two lead changes, and three rundowns and stops. Heather and Double were able to put their own spin on all of these moves, resulting in a stunning performance that included an impressive sideways trot…
…a tight spin…
…and a quick gallop around the stadium.
Heather’s routine was set to Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’s “Same Love.” When Heather finished her routine, the announcer revealed that the performance was dedicated to Heather’s aunt and her partner. Just a month before the performance, they had been given the right to marry.
“Love is always the answer, love is universal,” the announcer said as the crowd cheered.
The judges gave Heather an amazing score of 225 points (70 is considered the average.) While she had a great score, she, unfortunately, didn’t win the competition. But even though she didn’t get the trophy, she was a fan favorite, and her performance had a beautiful message that resonated with the crowd.
Watch Heather and Double’s incredible performance in the video below!
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