Riding through the ups and downs

Despite busy schedule, a passion for horses keeps Simmons riding

By Angelita Caudillo
The Collegian

Equestrian Amy Simmons has a busy schedule between practicing, working out and school, but that has yet to pull down her passion for riding or her leadership abilities.

As a senior business marketing major, Simmons said that she first learned to ride when she was eight years old.

“A friend of mine, a neighbor, invited me to come to her barn and it started there,” Simmons said.

From there she moved on to professional riding and now participates in a number of shows.

Originally from Santa Paula, Calif. Simmons said she choose Fresno State because of the equestrian program.

“I was sort of interested in Cal Poly but their sport is not an AAA, it’s a club,” Simmons said.

At Fresno State she has entered the top ten in nationals and last year was third in NCAA finals for the Varsity Equestrian Championship in New Mexico.

Equestrian coach Rebecca Malmo said Simmons is good at balancing both school and riding.

“She has been as excellent role model because she’s always there to help the other riders get on,” Malmo said. “She steps up without being asked, she’s an excellent role model and academically she’s strong too.”

Simmons has many goals in sight for this year, but said with school it can sometimes get difficult when weighing her options.

“That’s the hard thing with school, I’m trying to graduate next semester and there are certain classes I have to take.” Simmons said.

She wants to get the most number of points out of all the riders this year so she can automatically get to nationals, however she said she knows this will be difficult since she knows she’ll be missing one show due to class.

Managing school and practice can be difficult for Simmons but she manages.

“I have a very precise schedule. I have to write everything down,” Simmons said.
A weekly schedule consists of practice twice a week, working out three times a week and also other things like weekly meetings or days when the team must work at the football games.

“I just do homework whenever I can. I try to get ahead in my school so it doesn’t get too stressful.”

Simmons said.

“It’s tough,” Malmo said. “Maybe it doesn’t sound like a lot but for those of us who live it that’s hard,”
Pushing herself in school and riding, Simmons said she puts a lot of pressure and goals upon herself.

“A lot of it is myself, and I also want to do well for the team.” Simmons said.

Her family is also a factor.

“Obviously my family, they support me and encourage me, but they don’t really necessarily push me; they just want me to do whatever makes me happy.

Malmo said Simmons’ leadership skills have developed dramatically in her two years as coach.

“We were in Georgia and she was unhappy about something before, she went in and she absolutely put that aside, pulled in from herself and drew from a depth of character and went and had a fabulous ride.

She ended up out-riding her competition all three days we were there.” Malmo said.

“As a senior the other students absolutely look up to her and she’s always there with a smiled on her face and with the right attitude, working very hard. You know there’s no slacking here.”

Simmons said after she graduates, she is not sure of what she wants to do.

“Ideally I’d like to be in a position where I can do something with horses, whether it be marketing for a company or keep riding,” Simmons said.

Simmons’ lifelong love for horses brought her to riding and she hopes will continue with her hopes in a career related to horses.

“Just being around them, I love the atmosphere, I love the horses and riding is such a thrill for me,” Simmons said. “It’s just exciting every time.”

Comment on this story in the Sports forum >>