Soap Opera Digest

HORSING AROUND

Years Invested: 15

Honorifics:
"I definitely struggled for a long time," remembers Sweeney. "Some shows, I would place well - second and third place - and others, I would flop. Overall, I did pretty well."

ACHIEVER CHAT
Why did you choose horseback riding?
"My mom started riding horses when she was a little girl, so when I was little, she would take me with her to the barn where she rode. Unfortunately, it became clear that I ha astrong allergy to horses, but I loved horses so much that I took allergy medicine to help me get through the lessons!"

Any embarrassing moments?
"One time at a horse show, it was a really hot day, and the appropriate dress for a competition is long britches, a long-sleeved shirt and a wool coat. Needless to say, I was hot and I hadn't really kept track of how much water I'd had, so in the middle of a course - which means I'm all by myself in the ring, and everyone is looking - I started to feel faint, and I slid right off my horse. I looked at the ground and ended up there. After a glass of water I was fine, but it was so embarrassing at the time!"

How much training and practice was involved?
"Just like any other sport you want to be good at, you have to practice and train constantly. Of course, school was always in the way as far as I aws concerned - and acting lessons and auditions! But I had a lesson almost every other day throughout my childhood. And on some of the weekends there would be competitions."

Were you competitive?
"I am a ridiculously competitive person, and I'm not afraid to admit it! My friends always tease me about how I don't play any game just to play; I play to win. Anyway, I always thought it added to the fun of riding, to push myself to the next level of competition and see how much I had improved from the last event."