According to research from Yale University, it’s believed that Henry VIII’s erratic behavior may have been the result of traumatic brain injuries sustained during his equestrian pursuits. During one jousting match, a horse fell on top of Henry, which caused him to lose consciousness for two hours. “Historians agree his behavior changed after 1536,’’ Salardini says.

It’s a well-known fact that Ronald and Nancy Reagan loved riding horses on the grounds of their Rancho Del Cielo in Santa Barbara, CA. However, did you know that Caroline Kennedy’s pony, Macaroni, frequently grazed on the White House grounds and greeted foreign dignitaries?

With early mornings spent cleaning stalls and feeding horses, late nights spent driving to horse shows, and many a weekend devoted to practice, equestrians can have difficulties in the dating department. What’s a horse-loving girl or guy to do?

Courtney also sees how the life lessons she learned while showing horses can be applied in an academic setting. “I still experience the competitive drive and work ethic my parents, trainer, and horses taught me,” she says.