“I have had the privilege of helping Olivia Pittenger for almost two years. In that time, she has proven to be a tenacious competitor and a hard worker. She approaches each lesson with a great work ethic and a willingness to push herself in order to improve her riding. She is a great teammate to everyone in the barn. Olivia is always supportive and friendly to everyone, however, her quiet and respectful demeanor belies the unshakeable competitor that she is in the ring When she walks through the in gate she is focused and driven to win. After each round she is attentive and receptive to instruction. These traits have made her one of the most successful riders in her division in the country.
I truly believe that Olivia would be an asset to any program as she has been to mine. I have never taught a student more willing to learn or put the time in to be her best. Her natural feel allows her to ride a large range of horses while her technique and size gets the best effort out of all of them. She would be a great addition to any team. A winner in every sense of the word, I would highly recommend a very serious look at Olivia Pittenger.”
~ Matt Cyphert, Owner-Woodhill Farm, Argyle, TX
“Over the past few years, I have had the privilege of training and working closely with Olivia Pittenger while working as an assistant trainer at Woodhill Farm. I am extremely confident that she is an ideal candidate for a NCEA recognized equestrian program and will be an asset to any team she may choose to join.
Olivia is an outstanding rider who consistently displays a level of dedication, talent, and passion for the sport that is truly exceptional. It has been a great pleasure to watch Olivia evolve into the skilled rider she is today, who possesses the technical expertise and finesse required to excel in our sport. Olivia consistently impresses me with not only her riding talent, but also her mental fortitude when competing, and deep understanding of horsemanship.
What truly sets Olivia apart from other riders, is her unwavering commitment to personal growth and improvement. She is constantly seeking opportunities to refine her riding skills, constructively learns from experiences, and embraces challenges with an enthusiastic attitude. This determination and resilience are qualities that will undoubtedly contribute to her success as a collegiate equestrian team member.
In addition to being an extremely coachable and dedicated student, Olivia also exemplifies what it truly means to be a team player. She is supportive, respectful, and always goes out of her way to lend a hand around the barn. Her sportsmanship and positive attitude have a contagious effect on the other clients and staff members at Woodhill, helping cultivate a collaborative team atmosphere.
It is my opinion, that Olivia Pittenger embodies all the qualities of a successful student-athlete who not only strives for excellence in the ring but will also maintain a strong commitment to academic success, personal growth, and team morale. Her presence on any team will undoubtedly enhance the team dynamic and greatly contribute to the continued success of the program.”
~ Audrey Norrell; Assistant Trainer at Woodhill Farm, Argyle, TX
“I have had the privilege of coaching Olivia for the past year. As a former team captain at Oklahoma State, I believe Olivia would be an excellent addition to any college program for the qualities I see in her each day at the barn.
Olivia is an extraordinarily coachable individual. Her willingness to listen, learn, and adapt to feedback is truly commendable. Throughout her time as my student, I have observed her consistently implementing guidance and incorporating it into her riding techniques. Olivia is receptive to both positive reinforcement and constructive criticism, displaying a remarkable ability to apply new concepts effectively.
One of Olivia’s standout traits is her exceptional maturity. Despite her age, she demonstrates an understanding of responsibility, discipline, and respect that goes beyond her years. Her interactions with fellow riders, trainers, and the horses themselves are marked by her professionalism and level-headedness.
Olivia’s dedication to the sport and hardworking nature are truly impressive. She approaches every lesson with a strong work ethic and a determination to push herself beyond her comfort zone. Her commitment to honing her skills and mastering new techniques is evident in her consistent progress and her passion for the sport.
Additionally, Olivia possesses an invaluable sense of humor that she extends even to herself. She embraces her mistakes as opportunities for growth, demonstrating a rare ability to learn from each experience.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Olivia Pittenger without reservation. Her coachable nature, maturity, hard working attitude, and ability to find humor in her journey make her an exceptional candidate for any endeavor she pursues. Olivia’s dedication to refining her skills and her determination to succeed will undoubtedly continue to set her apart.”
~ Abigail Brayman, Trainer at Woodhill Farm, Argyle, TX
“I’ve had the pleasure of teaching Olivia biology this school year, 2022-2023. I have gotten to know Olivia throughout the year and have found her to be a respectful and hardworking young lady.
As a former college athlete, I see qualities in Olivia’s work ethic and personality that would make her a great team member. She will come into class early every day and ask me questions regarding what we have covered previously in class. She makes sure that she completely understands the material before class starts. This has resulted in her receiving excellent grades on her assignments. Olivia is also very organized with her schedule and school materials. She ensures that all assignments are turned in on time and does not have any missing grades. I would consider her one of my top 10% of students for her hard work and preparedness.
These qualities are also exemplified by the fact that she does all of this in addition to her time intensive equestrian pursuits. I admire that she is able to maintain a high intensity in learning along with her equestrian passion. Like any sport, the athlete has to dedicate their time to their sport, while also balancing life outside of their craft. I have confidence that Olivia will maintain her academics as a priority while also continuing to compete in the highest levels.
For the above reasons, I believe Olivia would be an asset to any program inside and outside the arena. Her spirit for service will benefit any team. I have confidence that Olivia will be successful in whatever she puts her mind to. She has been a wonderful addition to my classroom.”
~ Catherine Halvorson; Lake Travis High School biology teacher, Austin, TX