University of Georgia Athletics
Senior Spotlight: Sammie Johnson
February 19, 2018 | Equestrian
When did you start riding?
I started riding when I was five-years-old. My sister took lessons, and I of course wanted to be just like Jessie, my older sister. I was like 'I have to try it!' so they lead me around for a while and I just wanted to be cut loose. I started showing a little yes than a year later. Jessie and I rode and showed together our whole lives. My mom did not ride, but my Dad's sister showed saddlebreds. He would always haul his little sister and her horse around so he was into the idea of Jessie and I riding.
What is your favorite memory as a child?
Well, I honestly did not have any ponies. I did have this horse and his name was Willy, and we had this arena up top on a hill away from the barn that was not fenced in. I was riding him one day, and he was only three-years-old so I probably shouldn't have been on him because I was only six. He started galloping down the hill towards the barn and I just bailed off! So that is probably my worst memory.
But my best memory would be when I got my first horse. My dad was acting like we weren't going to get him, and it was this really old horse named Boo. He was the most perfect little guys. My dad threw me up on him in the stall, and I was sitting on him bareback. My dad said, 'Now the only way we're getting him is if you hand the owner this check!' So I handed him the check and he was mine! I remember thinking it was the best thing ever.
What was your biggest accomplishment in high school?
My final World Show, which is a show you have to be invited to to go, it had always been a dream of mine to even just get the chance to go. In my very first class I got third, and they give away these great trophies for 1st-3rd and I got one of them. That was my favorite thing ever! Then I just had amazing rides from then on out. I got sixth in one of my all time favorite events called the trail with one of my all time favorite horses who is still my favorite. His name was Tye. He was absolutely perfect and I still keep up with him and try to go ride him as much as I can. It is not necessarily the accomplishment that was the best thing ever, or the placings and the trophies, it was more the horse that I did it with.
When did you learn about riding in college?
I was a freshmen in high school and I wasn't even aware that college equestrian existed, which is kind of funny because of where I am now. But I went to this big horse show in Florida, and it was in January. I was too young to really be recruited, but I saw a bunch of coaches walking around. My trainer was actually approached by one of the coaches so she came over and started talking to me about it and my mom and I were shocked because we really did not know this was a thing. Ever since then we tried to learn more about it and keep in contact and that's how I ended up at Georgia.
How did you choose Georgia?
I really loved how welcoming everyone was. I was honestly very nervous to do college in general, so to have the horses and an immediate family was really cool to me. I wasn't recruited by a whole bunch of school and it was either stay at home and go to West Virginia or come to Georgia and ride. The biggest thing for me was there was no reason to not come to Georgia. I loved it so much and there were so many great things about it. I was nervous to leave home because I am really close with my family, but I probably see them more now because they are so involved in coming to meets.
How has your role developed on the team over the years?
I would say coming in I was just really excited to ride and get to know everyone. But there are so many talented riders on this team you watch everyone and soak in everything. I was learning the process of how to balance everything as a student athlete and learning how competitive this sport really was. I wanted to become a friend and a supporter to everyone on the team. That was really where I started and as I progressed as a rider and a competitor, it became natural for me to be one to help others with that learning curve. I am very approachable, and I like to think I am very loyal and reliable so it is easy for people to talk to me. I think it was those qualities that have helped turn me into a leader on this team.
Do you have a favorite memory while here at UGA?
I have so many. One of the best memories I've had was winning SEC's last year. That was something that was super special to be a part of and something I will never forget. But honestly, the whole journey getting there, which I know that is not a particular memory, but the memory of winning SEC's makes me remember all of the things we did to get there. The win itself was really special, but I got super close with so many people in that season and it was so inspiring to watch everyone work so hard and see it pay off.
Do you have a favorite UGA horse?
Aw, yes baby Abner was my favorite. He was just so reliable and he was always so sweet. He has been my favorite since I got here. I am really big into looking into horses eyes, and I think that's why I loved Tye so much. Abner's eye reminded me so much of Tye's eye. Abner was also my career high which was a 78.5 so there is that as well. That score came when I was a freshman, and it was a really big meet. So it was just special because he helped me get that.
What will you be doing when you graduate?
I will be working for an insurance company called Amica Mutual and I will be managing accounts. So I will manage a team of sales and services representatives and I am really excited about that. They team has really prepared my well for that role. I am sad to leave all of this behind, but that is what's coming next!
