University of Georgia Athletics
Senior Spotlight: Bailey Anderson
May 03, 2018 | Equestrian
Bailey Anderson
When did you start riding?
I feel like I don't really have an answer for that because my mom would say always. My mom has always been so involved the horse industry so I was born into it. My mom loves to tell the story that my brother was out riding and I was on the porch watching. I was only two-years-old at the time, but I was bouncing up and down saying, 'My turn! My turn! My turn!'
How involved was your mom with the horses?
She grew up showing just like I did. Her parents had horses and cattle so she was always involved. She got her Ph.D. in Equine Sciences and she always taught judging teams, and now she is an AQUHA judge so she has always bene in the industry.
What is your favorite memory growing up?
It was probably when I got my first show horse Mickey. I got pretty lucky because he was an old fancy show horse and he was so much fun and treated me so well. I had him and another horse at the time, so my brother and I would always get on and play cowboys and Indians in the pastures. That is for sure one of my favorite memories.
When did you start getting more competitive?
I would say when I was around nine or ten-years-old. After Mickey I got another horse and I took him to the big Quarter shows. I won my first big world champion show when I was nine, and that was one of my favorite early memories as well. My mom said she knew from that day I was two years old that she was sunk and ever since then we hit the ground running.
What is one of your biggest accomplishments in high school?
One of my most cherished memories was when I won the Congress in the showmanship in 2013. It was with my last horse, Teddy, and it was my first big win in the Quarter Horse world. It was just such a build up because I had just put down my old show horse so we worked so hard to get there an it was an emotional experience. That is one I will for sure never forget.
When did you hear about collegiate riding?
I found out my freshman year, maybe even earlier. As soon as I heard about it I knew I wanted to do it. My parents had always said when I went to college I would be done showing so I knew this was how I could keep riding. I knew it would also help my parents by hopefully getting a scholarship.
How did you know Georgia was for you?
I struggled in the beginning because I didn't know where I wanted to go. I looked at a lot of places before I narrowed it down to between here and Auburn. The one thing that kept me away from Georgia was the size because it is so big. But then I had that ah-ha moment that everyone talks about because Georgia really felt like a family and friends. I felt so close with the team right away, really everything about it felt like home.
What has been one of your favorite memories on the team?
I think it would have to be this SEC championship and some National Championships which I know sounds weird because we lost, but it really made us come together and realize how much we love each other. Winning SEC's this year, being a senior, seeing everyone ride so well, and the fact that it wasn't a close meet made it really fun.
How do you think your role has shaped from being on the team?
I have always kind of been in that starter role, but I hope I have developed more of a leadership role and I hope that other girls on the team have been able to look up to me. Hopefully I am setting a good example for someone to follow in my footsteps.
Who is your favorite UGA horse?
Rodney! I think he is so sweet on the ground. Riding wise, he is such a challenge and I love that about him.
What are you doing after graduation?
I am starting a job as a chemical engineer June 11th in Dallas, TX for a company called Centralized Sciences. I have interned with them for the past two summers so it is nice to know the culture there and know the environment I will be working in.
Are you excited to graduate?
I am! It is funny, I thought I was so ready but I have realized I am quite terrible at packing because I don't think I am ready to leave yet. It is definitely bittersweet.
