Thoroughbred Incentive Program Youth Ambassador of the Month

Meet Meredith Orme!

Photo by Alister Orme.

T.I.P. presents March’s featured Youth Ambassador: Meredith Orme. Meredith, 18, is from Pennsylvania and participates in Hunters/Equitation with her Thoroughbred, Ditto. She received Ditto, otherwise known as Impressionist in the show ring, for Christmas in 2014. Meredith participates in various T.I.P. shows throughout the year. In addition to riding, Meredith has a varsity letter for all four years in high school swimming, and is captain of the girl’s swim team.

Meredith Orme (18, Pennsylvania)

Horse
Registered Jockey Club Name: I Am Foz
Show Name: Impressionist
Barn Name: Ditto

How did you start riding?

My trainer is a family friend and was my babysitter, and I was horse-crazy, so it was a natural extension to begin riding with her. Which I do to this day!

What is your favorite thing about riding/or your horse?

Ditto’s personality. He tries his best to do what has been asked of him and is so sweet. He absolutely loves attention and people. Ditto’s personality makes it so I enjoy every second I spend with him.

What would you like to do when you are older?

I want to study business (possibly finance or accounting) and work in the same field.

Tell us your favorite quote and why:

“Men weary as much of not doing the things they want to do as of doing the things they do not want to do” – Eric Hoffer. As a very busy person, I have a lot of experience with this quote. It is the best way to tell something that you truly love, in my opinion.

Photo by Jody Watt.

More Fun Facts

How many pets do you have (and what kind)?
None besides Ditto!

What is your favorite animal (apart from a horse)?
Whales

What is your favorite color?
Purple (lilac)

What is your favorite food?
Alfredo pasta

What is something unique about you?
I’m a triplet!

What is one word that your friends would describe you as?
According to my best friend: “caring”

Photo by Alister Orme.

What is one thing you would like to tell people about Thoroughbreds or the Thoroughbred Incentive Program?

There’s a myth that goes around that Thoroughbreds have hard to work with personalities, and that they think they’re right all the time. That isn’t true. Almost every Thoroughbred I’ve met has given 100% to everything they are asked to do. In my experience, when Ditto thinks he’s right, he usually is!

What are your goals for your horse in 2017?

I would love to get Ditto off the property more, so he may become a little less anxious at horse shows, but especially on trails! I would also like to try some local level combined tests or dressage, because I think Ditto would really enjoy it.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

Ditto is a hunter horse, and has proven himself in the Low Children’s in the show ring and around 3’ courses at home. At the same time, he has been teaching my father (who has now been riding one year) how to ride. He is truly a once in a lifetime horse, and I couldn’t imagine never being with him.

Photo by Bella Nye

The Thoroughbred Incentive Program was created by The Jockey Club to encourage second careers for Thoroughbreds when their racing days are over. The T.I.P. sponsors Thoroughbred-only classes and high point awards as well as Performance Awards, special year-end awards specifically for Thoroughbreds. The T.I.P. also recognizes non-competing Thoroughbreds through its Young Rider program as well as a special award for Thoroughbreds in careers such as therapy horses or other non-profit outlets.

To learn more about the Thoroughbred Incentive Program, please visit the organization’s website.