Bella Da Costa – The Wild Art of Trick Riding, Rodeo Thrills, and the Unbreakable Horse-Rider Bond

In this episode, Jen and Dyana sit down with renowned Canadian trick rider Bella Da Costa, whose high-speed, gravity-defying performances have earned her championship titles and captivated audiences everywhere. Bella shares insights into the deep bond between riders and their horses, how the confidence gained in the arena translates into real life, and her hopes for the future of the sport. Most recently, Bella was featured in the short documentary She Looked So Free, directed by Danny Gevirtz, which explores her journey and passion for trick riding.

She Looked So Free Documentary 

Follow Bella on Instagram - @belladacostatrickriding

NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 Intro

5:06 Welcome, Bella Da Costa!

6:13 What is trick riding?

6:41 What drew Bella to trick riding

7:46 She Looked So Free Documentary

12:50 Bella's biggest physical and mental challenges in trick riding

14:07 The power of trust between rider and horse

25:47Coaching children on trick riding and the confidence it builds

35:10 Why chasing your passion is the best path

40:35 How to follow along on Bella's adventures and her future performances

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Chapters

• 0:00 Intro
• 5:06 Welcome, Bella Da Costa!
• 6:13 What is trick riding?
• 6:41 What drew Bella to trick riding
• 7:46 She Looked So Free Documentary
• 12:50 Bella's biggest physical and mental challenges in trick riding
• 14:07 The power of trust between rider and horse
• 16:33 Bella's signature move the "suicide drag"
• 18:38 Bella's injuries from trick riding
• 19:57 The feeling of performing in front of large crowds
• 22:14 Jen's Reno Rodeo debut
• 25:47 Coaching children on trick riding and the confidence it builds
• 28:18 Bella's ranch lifestyle and the importance of it
• 31:32 Bella's most memorable performance
• 35:10 Why chasing your passion is the best path
• 37:14 How to get in to trick riding and the training involved
• 39:42 How Bella sees trick riding evolving and the future of the sport
• 40:35 How to follow along on Bella's adventures and her future performances