Wilmington Standlee Sunday Spotlight: Samia Al Otaiba

This week’s Wilmington Sunday Spotlight features Samia Al Otaiba, a dedicated 12-year-old rider who splits her time between the hunter and jumper rings with her string of ponies at WEC – Wilmington. From sunup to sundown, Samia is often found back in the barn, lending a hand with everything from braiding to daily care. We caught up with Samia to learn more about her ponies, her favorite things about the sport and her time at WEC!

WEC: How did you get started riding and what horses do you have now?
I got started because my uncle rode competitively, and that got me interested. I’ve been riding since I was about three years old. Now I have two jumper ponies, Heidi and Tweety, and two hunter ponies, Olive and Bling—so two larges and a medium. Heidi is super fast and loves to win. Bling is sassy and confident. Olive is sweet, fancy, and jumps really well. Tweety has the best personality and will do anything you ask. One of my ponies stayed home this weekend, but the rest came to the show.

WEC: What do you enjoy about showing at WEC – Wilmington?
I love it here! It’s competitive but also really fun, and there’s always a lot to do. My favorite class is the Pony Derby because the courses and jumps are creative and fun to ride with my ponies. When I’m not showing, I like to watch classes and help around the barn, grooming and tacking up horses. I also show at WEC – Ocala during the winter circuit, which I love because it’s a big venue with lots happening and good food.

WEC: Who are your favorite horses to watch in the sport and what are your riding goals?
My favorite horse right now is United Touch! He is amazing to watch and makes everything look easy. I want to jump bigger someday and keep improving with my ponies. I’m getting tall for my small and medium ponies, so I won’t be riding them much longer. My large pony lease ends in August, but my large jumper pony will stay with me forever, and I plan to continue jumping bigger with him!

WEC: How do you balance school with riding and showing?
I go to school in person. On weekdays, I go to school in the morning, then spend long hours at the barn after school. On weekends, I’m there first thing in the morning. I fit homework in whenever I can. At shows, I usually come Friday through the weekend, depending on my class schedule.

WEC: What do you love most about being around horses?
I love building a bond with them and having them as partners. It’s special to be able to work and spend time with them, both in and out of the ring.