Amanda Anthney
Parents: David and Tina Anthney
Siblings: Older brother Odis
Hometown: Springdale, Ark.
FFA Chapter: Har-Ber FFA
Advisors: David Duncan, Seth Jones, Patti Priest and Allison Stames
How did you get involved in FFA? “We live about 10 miles outside of Springdale, Ark. and have 2 acres, where I have a pony and two Quarter horses used for barrel racing. Though both my parents were raised on farms, my uncle Chris Smith is the one who really developed my interest in horses. His aunt introduced him to competitive riding, and he wanted to do the same for me. He bought his first horse at a yard sale when he was 8, and lived close by us when I was little. He had me horseback before I could sit. Kids in large city schools just don’t live on farms and become involved in FFA because it’s an area of interest for them, sometimes through other family ties. Because my parents loved their childhood experiences on the farm and in FFA, they wanted those same experiences for me; and horses helped get me there.”
What is your current involvement? “I belong to Rock Ridge Riding Club, which specializes in Western pleasure, pole bending, barrel racing and mystery events. I started showing when I was only 1 and have won 14 belt buckles; that is every year but that first year. I got my first pony, Hot Shot, when I was 3, my first quarter horse, Princess, when I was 4 and her sister, Fannie, several years later. While my uncle trained Princess, we trained Fannie together. Although my uncle no longer lives near us, I continue to train both Quarter horses to be more sensitive to rein and leg commands. Of course, I take care of my horses daily.”
What are your future plans? “Next year, I’m going to take Equine and Animal Science at Har-Ber High School, with the ultimate goal of becoming a horse ophthalmologist who takes care of things like eye infections and cataracts. To get there, I plan on going to the U of A for a degree in animal science while earning money training horses for other people. I will have to begin with barrel racing training but will expand what I train as I become more experienced. Then it’s off to veterinary school.”
