Katherine Kelly Lang, known for her role in the Bold and the Beautiful, discovered her passion for horses at a young age. At just three years old, she rode kiddie pony rides in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, sparking her love for horses.
Lang initially aspired to be an Olympic-level equestrian but found her true calling in endurance riding at the age of 22. Unlike traditional horse racing, endurance riding focuses on covering long distances rather than speed.
Lang emphasizes the importance of physical fitness for both the rider and the horse in endurance riding. Maintaining proper form is crucial to prevent injury to the horse and ensure a smooth ride.
However, Lang faced a setback in 2022 when she suffered a serious ankle injury during training for a 50-mile race. Despite breaking her ankle in three places and tearing ligaments, Lang underwent surgery and began rehabilitation immediately.
Determined to return to riding, Lang worked diligently with her physical therapist to regain strength and mobility in her ankle. Her perseverance paid off as she successfully participated in the Western Mojave Pioneer 50 race on March 16.
Lang describes the exhilarating experience of endurance racing, where she finds solace in the solitude of riding alone through scenic trails. She highlights the meditative state she enters while riding, akin to the runner's high experienced by long-distance runners.
Although challenges like missing a trail marker and riding extra miles can occur, Lang cherishes the moments of connection with nature and her horse during these races.
For Lang, endurance riding is not just a sport but a profound experience of bonding with her horse and immersing herself in the beauty of the natural surroundings.
