Thoroughbred Incentive Program December Youth Ambassador

Meet Samantha Fogg!

Hagyard Midsouth Team Challenge. Photo by Xpress Foto

T.I.P. presents December’s featured Youth Ambassador: Samantha Fogg. Samantha, 18, is from Missouri. Samantha and her Thoroughbred, Nacona (Cona), participate in Eventing. This is the second year Samantha has served as a T.I.P. Youth Ambassador.

Samantha Fogg (18, MO)

Horse

• Registered Jockey Club Name: Nacona
• Show Name: Nacona (Cona)
• Barn Name: Nacona (Cona)

How did you start riding?
I am a third generation equestrian, meaning my grandma rode, then my mom and now I ride. I started off with a naughty pony named Midnight Magic (Midnight). I believe that he taught me more about falling off than riding. At every opportunity, he would jump out of arenas (dressage and show jumping), run away with me, bite, kick, etc..

What is your favorite thing about riding/or your horse?
I can’t name just one thing! He is athletic, beautiful, quirky, fun, opinionated, playful and more.

What would you like to do when you are older?
I want to compete at the 4 star level of eventing, retrain, represent and re-home OTTBs and run my own business.

Tell us your favorite quote and why:
One of my favorite quotes is, “The best of any breed is the Thoroughbred horse…” by George Morris. I love this quote because it is true! Thoroughbreds have the biggest hearts, an amazing amount of athleticism and can go in any direction.

What do you think the most important aspects of horsemanship are?
The most important aspects of horsemanship include groundwork and the notion that the horse comes first. Groundwork allows you and your horse to connect more. It builds trust, communication and a stronger bond. I also strongly believe in the saying “the horse comes first.” You’ll see me at a show untacking and rinsing off my horse in my cross country gear or show jacket with my nice white pants and helmet on.

More Fun Facts

• How many pets do you have (and what kind)?
  I currently have five horses (four Thoroughbreds). Their names are Wishful Thinking (Wish), Mindanao (Arrow), Nacona (Cona), Mutaka (Mu) and Scotland Yard (Scotty). We sadly lost Max (age 30) last year, and Brownie from a pasture accident earlier this year. I also have five cats (three barn cats, two inside cats) and three kittens (who we are trying to find homes for!).
• What is your favorite animal (apart from a horse)?
  I am going to have to say cats since we’ve accumulated many over the years.
• What is your favorite color?
  Blue! My cross country colors are blue and white!
• What is your favorite food?
  Steak. I love steak. If I have a good cross country run at a show we usually celebrate with a steak.
• What is something unique about you?
  I have a cosmic brownie addiction. I eat one every night.
• What is one word that your friends would describe you as?
  Talkative

What is one thing you would like to tell people about Thoroughbreds or the Thoroughbred Incentive Program?
Thoroughbreds are the most athletic and versatile breed that I know. They were born with the endurance for racing, stamina for eventing, scope for jumpers, movement for dressage, preciseness for barrels, etc. Most importantly, they will put their heart and soul in what they most enjoy and create an extraordinary bond with their person. The Thoroughbred Incentive Program is such an important aspect to the Thoroughbred breed. Support them as they support your Thoroughbred!

What are your goals for your horse in 2019?
Our goals are to always gain more knowledge, experience and self-improvement than before. We are working to compete at another CCI* (CCI**-L with the 2019 change) this April in Ocala. After that, we will see!

Photo provided by Samantha Fogg