The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association has named 32 riders across eight Zones as 2016 USHJA / IHSA Sportsmanship Award recipients, including Morrisville State College hunt seat rider, Alexis Carpenter (Edmeston), from Zone 2.
Award winners are selected on their commitment to act selflessly towards horse(s), rider(s), coach(es) and others, and in a manner reflecting the highest levels of college sportsmanship.
Carpenter, one of four to receive the award in Zone 2, has been the “go to” person for the hunt seat team in the horse barn and without hesitation has always been willing to lend a hand to teammates in need.
“A team is made up of a group of people that work together to reach a common goal,” said head coach Erin Dunn. “All tend to have their different strengths and weaknesses, and one who stands out and leads the group in a positive way. For us, that is Alexis.”
“Although she has not competed in many shows, Alexis puts more work into the care of the team and the horses more than anyone else.”
“The role that Alexis fills for us on a regular basis is invaluable,” Dunn said. “As barn manager, she is responsible for organizing all the tack, making sure the horses are clipped and cleaned, sends the horses to the show ring at the correct time and manages the horse handlers the day of a show. Alexis handles all of this with grace, and is a great leader, someone the team really relies on.”
“I’m honored to have received this recognition, and it helps me to reflect on all of the ups and downs I’ve faced in my college career,” Carpenter commented. “Receiving this award makes me feel very proud for all of the hard work that has been put into being a member of the hunt seat team for the past few years, and that my endless support to others successes have been one of the most substantial accomplishments in my college career.”
“My dedication to the hunt seat riding team has influenced my career and has always pushed me to be better and not settle for mediocre,” Carpenter said.
“It’s not always easy being a part of a riding team, but work ethic is a huge part of dedication and if it wasn’t my second nature to be self-motivated, I wouldn’t have been honored with this award.”
“It is often that I find myself less focused on my individual success and more on the success of my team members and those around me, and that comes from the morals I was raised to practice,” Carpenter continued.
“As I wrap up my collegiate career this May, I want others to gather that success doesn’t happen overnight. I have had more failures in my riding career than I can count, but true success is how you perceive those failures, and that hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.”
Carpenter will be receiving her bachelor’s degree in equine science in May, with plans to continue her career within the veterinarian field.
“As a coach, you want all of your students to succeed and be the best they can be. Alexis is a remarkable young woman and will continue to inspire others around her,” said Dunn.
“It has been such a pleasure working with this remarkable young woman; we have been honored to have her as part of our program.”