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TO SALUTE THE HAMMOND SCHOOL WESTERN EQUESTRIAN TEAM, ITS COACH, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS ON A MAGNIFICENT SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2015 SOUTH CAROLINA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.
Whereas, in April 2015, the Hammond School Western Equestrian team captured the 2015 South Carolina Independent School Association State Championship title, a victory that surprised none of the team's ecstatic supporters; and
Whereas, Hammond began recognizing horseback riding as a sport in 2010, and the school's Western team has won five straight titles since the state championship was initiated in 2011; and
Whereas, the team was created in 2008 by students and a faculty sponsor eager to bring the sport to the school. Veteran horsewoman Joy McMillion, "volunteered" at that time by her daughter to take the head coaching position, has worked hard to instill teamwork and camaraderie in her riders. She holds that these characteristics are among the most important contributors to the school's equestrian success; and
Whereas, the five straight state championships aren't the only trophies the team has taken home since its inception. The Skyhawks won two reserve national championships as members of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association; and
Whereas, a style of horseback riding that grew from ranching and warfare traditions brought to the Americas by Spanish conquistadors, Western riding trains the horse to change direction with light pressure of a rein against the horse's neck, or neck rein. The horse also is taught to exercise some independence in using its natural instincts. Such training leads to a deep, secure seat and very light rein contact; and
Whereas, grateful for the pride and recognition the members of the Hammond School Western Equestrian team have brought to their school and the Palmetto State, the House looks forward to hearing of the team's continued accomplishments in the years to come. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, salute the Hammond School Western Equestrian team, its coach, and school officials on a magnificent season and congratulate them for winning the 2015 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 Coach Joy McMillion.
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