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
      • Tack & Feed Stores
    • Equestrian Gallery
      • Stallions
      • Horses & Ponies 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 X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
Tagged under: Abbie Hopkins, collegiate, ncaa, ncea, skyhawks, University of Tennessee Martin

What you can read next

Kenneth Berkley Wins $10,000 Five Seasons Welcome Stake in Vermont
I wish I could whistle.
Joie Gatlin: Adventures From the Silver Screen to the Show Ring

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.

Stallion Gallery

Visit Stallion Gallery

From Our Classifieds Ads

  • Welsh Pony Stallion - Smoke Tree Shameful Thief
    Smoke Tree Shameful Thief (Smoke Tree Prince Of Thieves x Smoke Tree Shameless) 14h Welsh Section B Stallion Stud Fee $650 plus collection fees AI only and EVA negative Cheryl & Paul Maye Fairfield, VA 703-431-9096 www.mayeshowponies.com IF you want to breed Quality, you have to choose Quality!

    [Read more]

  • The RV Advisor

    Protecting the RV Owner’s Rights
    Choose Gigi's Personal Services (GPS)

    Buying an RV is likely your second largest purchase. It is highly recommended that you obtain assistance from an expert.

    With Gigi's 32-years of experience, she is uniquely qualified to review your purchase and warranty contracts and protect you from being over-charged or under serviced.

    [Read more]

RSS Sidelines Blogs: What’s Happenin’

  • “Jump for the Children” Benefit Horse Show Celebrates 40 Years & Over $3 Million to Duke Children’s
  • Woodside Recognizes the Best in the West
  • Get More for Your Money with an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage

RSS Sidelines Blogs: Show World

  • Madison Tsakanikas: Turning Heart Horses Into Timeless Art
  • Mary Bess Davis: Her Rocky Road to the USA Eventing Nations Cup Team
  • Sarah Mills: Success From Scratch 

Category

Recent Posts

  • Madison Tsakanikas: Turning Heart Horses Into Timeless Art

    By Shya Beth There are so many things about bei...
  • Mary Bess Davis: Her Rocky Road to the USA Eventing Nations Cup Team

    By Helen Townes Portraits by Kacy Brown Eventer...
  • Sarah Mills: Success From Scratch 

    By Tori Kistler Portraits by Becky Henderson Gr...
  • Brianna Meighan: Embracing Her Role as a Pony Mom

    By Laura Scaletti Portraits by Melissa Fuller T...
  • Charlotte Jorst: Working Hard at Living Her Best Life

    By Laura Scaletti Portraits by Melissa Fuller C...

Copyright © 1987 - 2025  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!