TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE THE HAMMOND SCHOOL HUNT SEAT EQUESTRIAN TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR A SUPERB SEASON AND TO HONOR THEM FOR CAPTURING THE 2017 SOUTH CAROLINA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the members of the Hammond School hunt seat equestrian team of Richland County took top honors at the state competition on April 2, 2017; and

Whereas, once again, the Hammond School hunt seat equestrian team has reached the summit and claimed the 2017 South Carolina Independent School Association State Championship title, making the Skyhawks state champions for the fourth time; and

Whereas, when the team accepted the title trophy, exultant Hammond fans were already making plans to see these talented equestrians accomplish a repeat win next year; and

Whereas, hunt seat, a style of forward seat riding based on the tradition of fox hunting and commonly found in North American horse shows, is one of two classic forms of English riding; and

Whereas, with a skillful hand, coaches Taylor Myers and Sam Sammataro groomed the Hammond hunt seat riders into a championship team that could not be halted; and

Whereas, the considerable skill and confidence required to be judged on an unfamiliar horse, whether under-saddle or over fences, makes success at any level an astonishing feat; and

Whereas, judging is subjectively based on the ability and form of the rider, formally known as "equitation," and the elegance, cadence, and style of the horse that demonstrates that the hunter is easy to ride and attentive and responsive to its rider; and

Whereas, building upon a tradition of excellence, the nascent team of only ten riders competed against some seven teams to capture the school's fourth state championship. The team consists of team captain Justice Myers, Madison Baker, Rhett Brabham, Anna Grace Felber, Sarah Haselden, Olivia Kelly, Marielle McKissock, Kate Robinson, Lucy Mills Sammataro, and Alexandra Younan. Each member must compete in at least one SCISA regular season and/or two Interscholastic Equestrian Association shows to qualify for the Championship Invitational; and

Whereas, Taylor Myers, in her fourth year as head coach, and Sam Sammataro, in his first year as coach for Hammond's hunt seat team, in addition to the state title in the 2016-2017 season, have garnered one SCISA regular season championship and two reserve championships; and

Whereas, in a sport that demands precision, grace, and strength, Coaches Myers and Sammataro capitalized on their own athletic ability and training to forge a championship hunt seat equestrian team and have taught these riders lessons that will prove invaluable through life both on and off the mount; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives appreciate the pride and recognition that the Hammond hunt seat riders have brought to their school and community and look to hear of their continued accomplishments in the days ahead. Proud of the accomplishments of these fine athletes, the House of Representatives is pleased to add its collective praise to the many accolades given to Hammond's hunt seat equestrians. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and congratulate the Hammond School hunt seat equestrian team, coaches, and school officials for a superb season and honor them for capturing the 2017 South Carolina Independent School Association State Championship Title.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Headmaster Chris Angel and Coaches Taylor Myers and Sam Sammataro.