Davidge’s start in Culver’s horsemanship program was during her freshman year. And though she’s always been interested in politics, she says this year for her was naturally marked by a closer eye on the presidential election. “I thought it would be interesting to see who we would be riding for,” she notes.
CGA sophomore Lillian Hogan would certainly concur. “I think because this is our first black president, it’s even more special than most. I’m looking forward to telling my grandkids I was in the parade when we had our first black president.”
Hogan has been riding horses for seven years, two of them with Sissy, her Academies-owned polo pony. “She’s been great,” Hogan says. “They (the school) brought in things like smoke machines, dogs, sirens, and drums, just to try to get the horses used to all the noises (they’ll encounter in the inaugural parade).”
Both girls — and undoubtedly all the participating students — agree the extra riding practices leading up to the inaugural, many at 6:30 in the morning, can be “a little stressful,” but all surely share Hogan’s enthusiasm. “It’s an honor, and we all have to be on our best behavior. It should be really exciting; I’m really looking forward to it.
“I’m nervous,” she admits. “It’s a really big parade, and there’s supposed to be a lot of people there . . . but I really like my horse. We get along well.”
“I think everyone’s just really excited,” adds Ali Davidge. “I’m glad everyone’s taking such an interest in it. It’ll be fun!”