Today we’d like to introduce you to Julian, Cameron and Kimberly Harrison.
Hi Julian, Cameron and Kimberly, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
JULIAN/CAMERON: It was in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was crazy because one day we were at school and had tons of friends. The next thing we knew the school and everything around us was shut down. No playground, no friends, going to hand out at the park. At first, it was kind of cool because no homework. But still, overnight, everything we know and love changed. We went from two social boys in elementary school to suddenly only having each other. My brother and I spent a lot of time at home during the shutdown and we had to get really creative. One of the games we loved to play over and over again was “horseback riding,” where we would each take turns being the horse and the rider. Other nights, we’d have dance competitions in the living room where we’d blast everything from Drake to Selena to Taylor Swift. I think it was our mom’s way of trying to manage our ADHD by burning as much energy as possible.
KIM: Before the pandemic, the boys were really active in team sports. Basketball, soccer, and track – but during the lockdown the sports being offered were ones that you could only do over Zoom. It was frustrating because I needed a way to help them burn energy and provide mental stimulation. At the time the only two places offering activities were English Equestrian lessons at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center and Latin Ballroom Dancing at Accent Dance Studio.
JULIAN/CAMERON: Both were cool. Anything to get out of the house and hang out with other kids. Most importantly, we got to be around horses. I still can’t believe we’ve been riding and dancing for almost three years now. Riding and dancing not only became a way for us to pass the time during the pandemic – but a way to help us focus in school and in all other areas of our lives. Since beginning English Equestrian, we’ve competed and traveled for dozens of competitions, receiving both champion and champion reserve. Our story as Equestrians of Color has even been featured in the publications Sidelines Magazine and Horse Illustrated! With ballroom dancing, we both now have dance partners and travel throughout Southern California for various competitions. Both sports are so different but so cool!
KIM: Most importantly, I think they want to inspire other kids their age – especially children of color when it comes to riding and ballroom dancing. It was definitely a unique experience that we quickly fell in love with.
JULIAN/CAMERON: One of our favorite things is to compete in IEL Interscholastic Equestrian League because we are able to represent our school St. Finbar. It helps bring the program to campus and students who would have otherwise not known about riding. The kids at school are surprised that we ride, but they come out to support us at our competitions, whether it’s horses or dancing.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
JULIAN/CAMERON: As opposed to dancing, English Equestrian riding isn’t something that comes easily. There are a lot of skills you have to learn before even attempting to jump in addition to memorizing a course right before you enter the ring. I think the most important thing is building a relationship with your horse. You have to learn to trust each other because what you’re doing is dangerous. You have to pay attention and understand that just like dancing with a partner, your horse picks up on all your energy and movement.
We train almost every day of the week for both activities, sometimes starting our days at 5AM to balance our school work with our passion. After practice, we usually reward ourselves with a big Fortnite gaming session!
KIM: Since starting riding and dancing, I’ve noticed that the boys have become extremely disciplined and focused. They have both become better students. They have a routine that they follow every day and that keeps them on track with their school work. I’ve also seen their self-esteem improve by leaps and bounds. I love their commitment to both sports.
JULIAN/CAMERON: People ask us all the time if it’s weird competing against each other. Surprisingly, this isn’t a challenge for us because We’re each other’s biggest fans! If one of us gets a blue ribbon, it feels like the other got it too.
KIM: I would have never thought about English Equestrian riding or Ballroom Dancing for my kids. Sometimes, the best answers are when you think outside of the box. But the fear of not knowing should never prevent you from exploring something that ultimately ends up being the best thing for you!
JULIAN/CAMERON: We’re no longer scared to take on new challenges and are constantly experimenting with new routines and higher jumps! It can be really scary at times, but we’ve learned that if you work at something it really makes all the difference.
What makes you happy?
JULIAN/CAMERON: We’re the happiest when we’re watching each other compete in the ring or on the dance floor. There’s something about the energy it brings that can’t keep us from smiling. Of course, we love winning, but it isn’t always about that. After all – we’re kids! We also love basketball, pizza, seeing our friends, video games, and playing with our dogs! And we can’t forget our moms. They’ve been so supportive in everything we do; we couldn’t have gotten this far without them. They’re also the ones that get to decide if we play Fortnite or not 🙂
Contact Info:
- Instagram: TheRealKimHarrison
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHarrisonBros
- Other: TIKTOK: TheRealKimHarrison
Image Credits
@equineclicksphotography @ https://lindseylong.com
