Passion, Progress, and Ponies. Meet Spotlight Rider: Olivia Parham

At just 14 years old, Olivia Parham is already leaving her mark in the hunter/jumper community. Riding out of Pennsylvania, Olivia competes at Derby at the Vineyard horse shows and represents her IEA team in the intermediate division. Between balancing high school and horses, Olivia has already produced her own successful project pony and has her sights set on pony finals — all while showing sportsmanship, heart, and passion for the sport.

We caught up with Olivia to hear more about her journey, her ponies, and what inspires her to keep growing in and out of the ring.

1. How did you first get into riding?

Before first grade, one of my best friend’s moms recommended a local summer horse camp. I went for one week, and I loved it so much that I signed up for another. After that, I started weekly lessons at a barn about 20 minutes away. That’s where I began showing locally. As I got more competitive, we switched barns, and now I’m doing rated shows and training a new pony to eventually compete in the division one day.

2. Tell us about your ponies!

My main pony is Reese’s Pieces — or “Reese” for short. He’s a small chestnut pony who used to have a bit of a naughty streak. He’d dump people, but I worked that out of his system! I started taking him to the Derby at the Vineyard shows for experience, and we actually won that year. Since then, we’ve moved up divisions, gone to Zone 2 Finals in Harrisburg, M&S finals in Saugerties, and now we’re working toward qualifying for Pony Finals. It’s amazing to see how far he’s come.

My newest pony is Winston, a four-year-old who’s super willing and easygoing. After working with some tough ponies, it’s nice to have one that’s a little more relaxed. I’m excited to bring him along and hopefully take him to Pony Finals in a few years.

3. You’ve shown at Horse Spot shows including Derby at the Vineyard. What’s your favorite part of that show?

I love that the derbies are on grass — it makes it feel like a true derby! I also love how the jumps are decorated, like you’re out on a trail ride jumping natural obstacles. They announce your scores as you come out of the ring, which makes it really exciting. The whole community is so nice; it’s a really fun environment.

4. What did you enjoy about Horse Spot?

I love how easy it is to access everything! Before, I’d sometimes miss results or struggle to find what I needed. Now I can just pull it up on my phone to check results, see who’s in my classes, or find the schedule. It makes the whole show experience so much simpler.

5. What’s been your proudest moment as a rider?

Definitely seeing how far Reese has come. Watching a pony you’ve trained go from being difficult to placing at Zone 2 Finals in Harrisburg is so rewarding. It reminds me that all the time and effort were worth it.

6. What do you think you do best as a rider — and what are you working on?

I think I’m best at building relationships with my ponies. You have to have that bond; otherwise, things just don’t click. I’m working on not second-guessing myself. I’m learning to trust my instincts and my horse more when I don’t see a distance.

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7. Who inspires you most in the horse world?

My trainer, Alexis Ballance out of Bravo Equestrian. She’s so patient and always puts the horses first. If you don’t understand something, she’ll show you by getting on and demonstrating it. I really admire that about her.

8. What advice would you give to younger riders or pony kids just starting out?

You’re going to have tough ponies throughout your riding career, but don’t give up on them. They’ll teach you so much and make you a stronger rider. I’ve had two really difficult ponies in the last year, and if I’d quit, I wouldn’t be the rider I am today.

9. Who’s your all-time favorite “heart horse”?

My first pony, Sheldon. He helped me fall in love with riding. He was forgiving, kind, and taught me everything. We still own him, but he’s about 25 now, so the little kids at the barn get to ride him. It’s really sweet watching them go through what I did when I was their age.

10. How do you make a difference within the horse community?

I try to cheer on my teammates and other riders — even if I’ve had a bad ride myself. I don’t want to make it all about me. If I have a tough day, I still want to help others have a good one. I think that kind of support and sportsmanship is really important.

11. What’s next for you?

I want to keep improving and continue showing, but I’m also really interested in becoming an equine veterinarian one day. I think it’s amazing to help horses feel their best and understand the science behind what keeps them healthy.

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Whether she’s bringing along a young pony or cheering for her teammates, Olivia Parham embodies the dedication and sportsmanship that make the horse show community so special. From her early days at summer camp to competing at Zone Finals, her journey is just getting started — and we can’t wait to see where it takes her next.

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