SIGN IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO HAVE ACCESS TO DIFFERENT FEATURES

FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?

FORGOT YOUR DETAILS?

AAH, WAIT, I REMEMBER NOW!

Sidelines MagazineSidelines Magazine

  • LOGIN
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • Subscriptions
    • Flipbook
    • Subscribe Options
    • Order Individual & Back Issues
  • Podcast
  • Marketplace
    • Business Ads
    • Directories
      • Barns, Farms, Trainers & Clubs
      • Equestrian Services
      • Real Estate
      • Stallions
      • Tack & Feed Stores
    • Classifieds
    • Horse Trailers for Sale
  • Advertise
  • Blogs
    • Show World
    • What’s Happenin’
  • Partners
  • Contacts
    • Contacts
    • Employment
0
Wednesday, December 11 2019 / Published in General

Abbie Hopkins: Life as a Skyhawk at University of Tennessee Martin

Abbie poses with Arno, a horse she used to catch ride as a junior.
Photo by Sky Studio

Abbie Hopkins, a junior at the University of Tennessee at Martin (UTM), is a Skyhawk through and through. Her love for warm weather and passion for horses brought her all the way from Seekonk, Massachusetts, to Martin to join 43 other student athletes on the UTM Equestrian team. Not only does she compete in both equitation on the flat and equitation over fences, but she’s head of horse care on the team’s leadership committee, which means she makes sure every horse is prepared for the show ring on meet day. She received countless accolades in the 2018–2019 season in equitation on the flat, including an All-United Conference award and several MOPS, and is looking forward to continuing her success this season with the Skyhawks.

Why did you choose UTM?

I knew I wanted to be in the South. I am from up north and I definitely don’t love the cold. I visited a few schools, and immediately fell in love with UTM’s campus. Coach Megan was really nice on my tour and I knew then that that was where I wanted to spend the next four years.

Describe a day in the life of an equestrian at UTM.

Three days of the week we have weight training. After weights, we go to class until it’s time to practice. We practice three times a week and the days depend on each girl’s individual class schedule. Personally, if I’m not on a horse or in class, I’m in the library studying and doing homework. I try to go to sleep around 10 p.m., if I can. That depends on my homework load or if I need to study for an upcoming test.

What is a goal that you have for yourself or your team for the 2019–2020 season?

So far, I’ve had a solid first couple of meets in both flat and fences. I want to continue that success, and continue to support my team in any way I can. I’m looking forward to the team working hard and pushing for a conference ring in the spring. We’re looking to be back at Nationals this year, as well.

Abbie on Woody at the 2019 NCEA National Championship. 
Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography

Do you have a favorite horse at UTM?

Finn! He is the love of my life. He’s one of the jumping seat horses here, and my absolute favorite boy. I always get really excited when I get to practice on him.

Do you have any advice for junior riders looking to ride in college?

I would say tour the campuses and meet the coaches. Gather as much information as you can not only about the teams you’re interested in, but also look for schools that will push you academically and offer majors that interest you. I will say, you need to be prepared for a lot of work. Being a student athlete is not easy, and the equestrian team is no exception. I love it more than anything, but being on the team means having a lot of early mornings and late nights. Freshman year will be very different than you expect, but it’s all worth it at the end of the day.

What is your favorite part about being a student athlete at UTM?

I love the horses! Any time I get to spend riding makes everything else worth it. I also love the support and friendship that come with the team. Having a group of girls who want the best for you, and vice versa, is so rewarding!

Share this page:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
Tagged under: Abbie Hopkins, collegiate, ncaa, ncea, skyhawks, University of Tennessee Martin

What you can read next

Dogs for Adoption – Buddy and Sammy
Everything Eventing with Boyd Martin
Vet Talk with Dr. Richard Wheeler

Download Sidelines Digital now from your favorite app store!

Sidelines Magazine - Apple store   Sidelines Magazine - Google Play store   Sidelines Magazine - Amazon store
Update iOS app. Re-download Google Play and Amazon app.

Follow on Instagram!

sidelines_magazine

Sidelines Magazine
Are YOU ready for it? The wait is over! The Capita Are YOU ready for it? The wait is over! The Capital Challenge Horse Show has officially begun! 

Not able to attend the 2023 Capital Challenge Horse Show? 🏆 No problem! Watch all 11 days of competition for free with the live stream, sponsored by C. Jarvis Insurance Agency Inc., on capitalchallenge.org or usefnetwork.com. 🎥
Balancing riding and academics can be tough, so Bl Balancing riding and academics can be tough, so Blue Ribbon Scholars is here to help! Whether you need help with a single subject, SAT prep, or transitioning to online school, Blue Ribbon will tailor a unique program to the needs of every student athlete, grades K-12. The exclusive education services provider at HITS Ocala since 2019, Blue Ribbon offers in-person tutoring services throughout the duration of the winter circuit, in addition to our virtual services via Zoom year round, anywhere, anytime! 

Are you showing at WEC this winter, but looking for affordable, fun, and individualized in-person support? Have no fear! In-person tutoring is available anywhere in the Ocala area, and everyone is welcome to attend our programs at HITS. Our tutors are kind, qualified, and understand the needs of competitive student-athlete equestrians. The founder of Blue Ribbon Scholars is an amateur jumper rider who holds a BA from Yale University and Master’s in Education from Vanderbilt. You will be in good hands! Message, email, or call us today to learn more about how we help you accomplish your goals.

blueribbonscholars, hitshorseshows

#sidelinesmagazine #sidelines2023 #forhorsepeople #abouthorsepeople #dressage #hunterjumper #eventing #magazine #horses #wellington #wef #florida #college #school #blueribbonscholars #hitshorseshows #hunterjumper #showjumping #hunterjumpersofinstagram #tutoringforathletes #tutoringservices #backtoschool #equestrian #equestrianlife #equestrianlifestyle #horseshowlife #studyhardplayhard #homeschooling #ocala
📣Exciting News!! 📣 Sidelines Magazine is gr 📣Exciting News!! 📣

Sidelines Magazine is growing!
Thanks to our success we are expanding our sales force and are looking for talented sales people‼️

Come join the team!!
👉For more information email editor@sidelinesmagazine.com
“There is no quick fix when it comes to horses,” said Samantha Wolfram, a 22-year-old equestrian professional. “You can’t flip a switch and the horse comes out broke and is easy to ride.” For most equestrians, this statement is a testament to the grit and reality of the horse business—there are no easy roads to establishing your career. But for Samantha, using her risk-taking, talent and ambition while riding and living abroad is helping set her up for success. 

Growing up an only child in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, Samantha received her first pony at the age of 2 thanks to her mother, who was a horse trainer. “My mom got me a pony like what you see at the fair. However, he was a bad pony—or what I like to call ‘character building,’” she said. Her early start riding was a gift unto itself and by 5, Samantha was jumping crossrails. She was committed to riding until the age of 8, when another sport became her focus. “I was at an age where I wanted to fit in, and being a crazy horse girl did not help with being popular,” Samantha shared.

Get to know Samantha in her recent feature "Finding Success in America and Overseas." And never miss an article by subscribing to Sidelines Magazine. Link below!👇
https://sidelinesmagazine.com

Follow Samantha on Instagram samanthawolfram

📸Photos by Kirsten Hannah, kirstenhannahphotography.com

#sidelinesmagazine #sidelines2023 #forhorsepeople #abouthorsepeople #dressage #hunterjumper #eventing #magazine #horses
Load More... Follow on Instagram

From Our Classifieds Ads

  • Isabel Kurek Photography
    Award-Winning Photographer Isabel J. Kurek Available for Private Shoots PUBLICATIONS & PRESS: • American Express Black Ink • Sidelines Magazine • In and Around Horse Country • Chronicle of the Horse • The Equiery People Magazine • Horse of the Delaware Valley • Virginia Gold Cup • Maryland Hunt Cup • Maryland Steeplechase • Washington International • Puissance Magazine • Equestrian Life • USEF Network • The Irish Field Magazine • Mid Atlantic Thoroughbred • Virginia Thoroughbred CATALOGUES,

    [Read more]

  • SAS Equine Photography
    CAPTURING THE EQUESTRIAN LIFESTYLE SAS Equine Photography 2512 Q Street Northwest, Washington, DC, 20007 Phone: 202-384-7446 Email: info@sasequinephotography.com

    [Read more]

Sidelines Articles by Email

Subscribe to Sidelines Magazine Articles by Email

RSS Sidelines Blogs: What’s Happenin’

  • Woodside Recognizes the Best in the West
  • Get More for Your Money with an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
  • Longines Global Champions Tour of New York Returns to Governors Island

RSS Sidelines Blogs: Show World

  • Conor Swail Was the Best Bet in $15,000 CSI2* Markel Insurance Welcome at San Juan Capistrano International
  • Lillie Keenan Leads in CHF68,000 South Coast Plaza Welcome Speed at San Juan Capistrano International CSIO5*
  • McLain Ward Wins CSIO5* Longines Grand Prix at San Juan Capistrano International

Category

Recent Posts

  • October 2023 – Table of Contents

    Subscribe for just $9.95 or Order Individual Is...
  • Zayna Rizvi: Horses from Family to Finals

    By Laura Scaletti Portraits by Melissa Fuller &...
  • Samantha Wolfram: Finding Success in America and Overseas

    By Juliana Chapman Portraits by Kirsten Hannah ...
  • Cedar Potts-Warner: At Liberty and Beyond

    Story and Portraits by Jennifer DeMaro   P...
  • Jordan Melfi: Turning a Secret Horse Life Into a Career

    By Veronica Green-Gott Portraits by Shelly Cart...

Copyright © 1987 - 2021 Sidelines Magazine
Privacy Policy · Returns & Refunds Policy · Hosting by Lucian Web Service
· Login

TOP
Get the Sidelines Scoop — your weekly look behind the scenes.Sign me up!