Rider on Byron-based team is No. 2 in nation

There were two riders left. One would be announced first and the other reserve champion.

In her first year in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association, 17-year-old Olivia Oney finished second in her division, varsity intermediate on the flat.

“It is crazy to think about it. It’s my first year doing IEA, and I’m second in the nation,” she said.

Oney rides for Middle Georgia Equestrian Team, based in Byron, and is trained by Jennifer Mastronardi.

The team has qualified riders each of the five years it has had an Interscholastic Equestrian Association team. This year, there were three who qualified for the association’s National Championship which was held in Lexington, Kentucky, at the Kentucky Horse Park.

“It is very special to me,” Mastronardi said of her success.

She credits the dedication of her riders and quality of lesson horses that has led to a rider qualifying each of the past five years.

Riders who compete in the association do not have to own a horse to compete. Horses are randomly drawn before competitions. Riders are judged on their own abilities to ride an unfamiliar horse either in the flat phase or the jumping phase.

“Watching Olivia go around, I knew she was first or second,” said Mastronardi, who normally isn’t that confident but said she just had a feeling.

The best moment for Mastronardi was when it came down to the top two riders. Oney reached over and grabbed the hand of the other girl, a stranger she had never met, and told her “good luck.”

“I am just so incredibly proud of her for showing such amazing sportsmanship,” Mastronardi said.

Oney said she was just so nervous when it got down to her and another rider, she instinctively held the girl’s hand.

The moment was not lost on her Oney’s mother, Betsy Oney.

“She is always focused and serious about it,” Betsy Oney said of her daughter, a junior at Columbus High Liberal Arts College Preparatory Magnet School in Columbus.

The mother and daughter travel to Byron at least once a week to train with Mastronardi. Olivia Oney has been riding since she was 4 years old with trainer Nancy Abney of Hunters Run of Midland.

Olivia Oney credits her riding instructors with where she is today.

“Every horse I have ridden over the years has helped me in some way. I am so thankful for all the opportunities I have had,” she said.

Although she had incredible success her first year, Olivia Oney wants more.

“I cannot wait to come back stronger. I am going to work as hard as I can, get another spot at nationals, and win it,” she said.

This story was originally published May 8, 2016 at 10:00 PM with the headline "Rider on Byron-based team is No. 2 in nation."