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, June 07 2017 / Published in General

Unbridled with Betty Oare

 

Betty Oare
Photo by Bob Bell

Lisa Engel

 Betty Oare is considered the Grande Dame of the Hunters. A lifelong equestrian of over 70 years, Betty rode professionally for her father, J. Arthur Reynolds, in Tryon, North Carolina, until 1981. She has won at most of the nation’s top hunter shows and is also a USEF R judge. An iconic horsewoman, Betty is highly regarded not only for her riding and judging, but most importantly for her kindness, class and warm personality.

How did you start riding?

My dad was in the horse business and it was a natural. I started riding pleasure ponies and I was 5 when I did my first lead line class. I started showing and hunting when I was 13.

Who has inspired you most in life?

My parents. My mother and father have been my inspiration all my life. Something they taught me was to try your hardest and be a good competitor, but not a bad sport.

Who has inspired you the most in riding?

Probably my dad, my brother and husband. The men in my family. My dad really taught me and had horses for us to ride. My brother has also been great, as well as my husband.

When did you meet your husband Ernie?

It was around 1960 or 61 at the Ox Ridge Horse Show and he was mucking a stall. I thought he was someone else and I said “Hi, Bill!” — but it wasn’t Bill. I was embarrassed and I just walked on. Later I met him at the horse show.

What three things are most important to you?

How about four things? My family, our good name in the horse world, my children’s families and their well-being and, of course, my horses.

What three traits in a person are most important to you?

Honesty and trust, genuineness and a good sense of humor

How do you relax? 

Truthfully, riding is relaxing. But sometimes I just like to play the piano and sing along.

If you could talk to anyone, who would it be and why?

My mom and dad. I’d like to ask them if they know what we’ve been up to and if they have any suggestions — are we doing OK? They guided me, so that would be important to me.

What’s the best feeling you’ve ever had?

Being so old, I’ve had a few of them. One of them was when I finally had my first my child without any complications. It was a long, drawn out deal and he was healthy and it was one of the best feelings.

What career path would you have chosen if horses weren’t an option?

Probably music. It’s hard to make a living with it. Or theater, if I could. I took voice in college but the horses always won out.

What’s your favorite piece of clothing?

Probably my shadbelly that was my graduation present from college! I still fit in it!

If you could tell every hunter or jumper rider one thing, what would it be?

Enjoy the ride. Love your horse. Be in sync with your horse. Relax and go with what’s good for that horse. Ride what you have and adjust to it. Embrace your horse’s differences and ride it like that.

What is life like with your husband Ernie?

It’s been a great one. He’s willing to try things and is a doer. We’ve been married 53 years and I would not have changed it. I’m glad I met him mucking that stall years ago. We all have our ups and downs but it’s been a good life.

How many weeks of the year do you travel?

Probably 30 weeks a year

If you had a week off, what would you do?

We really enjoyed the Keys. Cheeca Lodge in Islamorada brings back great memories with our children. We used to take them there for spring break.

Where would you like to be right now?

Right where I’m at is pretty good — I’m home. We don’t stay here enough so I’m fine with it.

What are your favorite movies?

Dr. Zhivago and Gone With the Wind

What’s your favorite food?

Chocolate

What was your best vacation?

We went to California and Napa Valley about 20 years ago, before the kids were married and had children. We flew out and took the train back. Our one son is a train person and we came across the country on the scenic route and it was really great.

Do you have a “bucket list”? If so, what tops that list?

Probably but not much. I like life and we’ve been so fortunate. I guess that Ernie and I would like to go to Ireland, go to the races and ride in the country. And probably go see the Grand National in England, too.

Do you have a personal motto?

Be true to yourself

 

 

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: Betty Oare, lisa engel, unbridled

What you can read next

Hunt Tosh and Rosalynn Repeat Excellence for Double Blue Ribbons at Bluegrass Festival Horse Show
Princeton Show Jumping 2012 – Laura Chapot Wins the Grand Prix
So You Want To Own An Ex-Racehorse?

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

  • BED & BARN FARMS
    Lodging/Overnight Stabling Forest City, NC/Tryon Area 828-248-4463 www.bedandbarnnc.com

    [Read more]

  • CAROLINA REAL ESTATE COMPANY
    803-648-8660 or 800-880-0108 www.carolinahorseproperties.com

    [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!