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Monday, January 08 2018 / Published in General

Texas A&M Equestrian Recognized at the White House

The Texas A&M Aggies presenting President Donald Trump with a pair of Texas A&M custom cowboy boots.

By Liza Goodlett

In October, the Texas A&M Aggies received a call that would provide them with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and bring recognition to collegiate equestrian sports. The call was from the White House, and three weeks later they were on a plane to Washington, D.C. On Friday, November 17, the White House held a collegiate sports championship recognition day, and Aggie Equestrian became the first-ever equestrian national championship team to be recognized.

“The first thing we had to do was talk to Oklahoma State University because we needed to change the date of our meet,” said Abby O’Mara, the Aggies’ assistant coach. “We said, ‘We are going to have re-schedule because we just can’t say no to this opportunity.’”

The OSU head coach was very understanding, and the Aggies were soon headed to D.C. The White House gave them a total of 20 spots, so the team took the 2017 Nationals starters and staff. The morning of the recognition, the White House told the teams if they arrived early, they could have a tour, but as it turned out, that wouldn’t be their only tour.

After the main tour, the teams had an opportunity to mingle with other teams before they were ushered into their spots for the photo opportunity. “Our photo spot was right outside of the Oval office, so it was really cool,” Abby said.

The Texas A&M Aggies on the steps of the White House during their trip to Washington, D.C. for a collegiate sports championship recognition day where Aggie Equestrian became the first-ever equestrian national championship team to be recognized.

The equestrian team also brought President Trump a pair of Texas A&M custom cowboy boots, which the head coach, Tana Mckay, presented to him. After the photo opportunity with the boots, President Trump decided to invite the equestrian team and the other two teams into the Oval Office for a private tour.

“I don’t think that was planned,” said Alex Desiderio, a senior at Texas A&M. “He just told them to take us in there and you could tell all of the guards were unprepared. That was an unbelievable experience. Not many people can say they’ve done that.”

The Texas A&M Aggies are the first of hopefully many years of equestrian teams to be recognized at the White House.

“I just think for our sport, it’s unreal,” Alex said. “For the first time ever, the NCEA has gotten this kind of recognition, and it’s is just awesome.”

Photos courtesy of Abby O’Mara

 

 

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Tagged under: ncaa, texas a&m

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“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
At 78 years young, Barry Olliff doesn’t intend t At 78 years young, Barry Olliff doesn’t intend to take it easy during his golden years. Inspired by his horse-loving wife, Cyndy, Barry is devoting his retirement to create “A Gathering Place” for anyone who needs one at their Stable View Equestrian facility in Aiken, South Carolina.

Barry and Cyndy have transformed their parcel of land, originally a quail-hunting lodge, into a facility that welcomes equestrians, corporate retreats, weddings, ecotourists and local community members. “This all came about through a fortuitous set of circumstances, with good partnerships, an open and welcoming community and, most of all, our willingness to go where the land led us,” Barry said.

Barry believes fate and good luck have played a big factor in Cyndy’s and his life. “We’ve been in the right place at the right time and fortunate enough to take the right fork in the road when there were choices,” he said. “As we’ve gotten older, we’ve felt it’s up to us to give back. We need to provide opportunities for people to use Stable View however they see fit.”

Keep reading at the link in our bio!!

📸Photo courtesy of Stable View

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There’s no denying the intrinsic value of the Ke There’s no denying the intrinsic value of the Kentucky Horse Park, in Lexington, Kentucky, in the 
world of equestrian sports. For so many event riders, this venue is an iconic destination that they 
dream about competing at, and I strongly believe it’s the perfect venue to host the American 
Eventing Championships (AECs). While I’m slightly biased because it’s my home event, I really 
believe that this is the best location for the AECs to be held each year.
Read Liz’s full column in this months edition of Sidelines Magazine! And never miss an article by subscribing to Sidelines  for just $14.95 A YEAR. That’s less then $2.00 a month! What a deal!  Link in bio to read her full article right now!

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