Olivia Tordoff running for AQHYA Officer/Director position

Olivia Tordoff running for a 2017-2018 AQHYA Officer/Director position interviewed by Courtney Hilty

  1. Where do you live and with whom? 

I live in Powell, Ohio with my parents, Shari and Greg, as well as my younger sister Alexia. 

 

  1. How do you want to be seen by your peers?

I want to be seen by my peers as someone with impeccable integrity, an exceptional work ethic, open-minded and a true friend. 

 

  1. What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses (personal & horse related)? Why?

My biggest strengths are that I am very focused and willing to work very hard to reach my goals. I believe that if something is worth doing it is worth doing to the best of your ability and you should give 110%. I am also very loyal. My biggest weaknesses are that I can let my shyness prevent me from being more outgoing and I can be overcritical of myself. I am trying to work on these both in and out of the show pen.

 

  1. How do you contribute to your community?

I contribute to my community by volunteering at my Church and participating in local charitable events whenever possible. My family and I also participate in “Homes of Hope” to build homes for families in need.

 

  1. Besides family, who do you admire most and why?

Outside of my family the person I admire most is Courtney Chown. Her commitment to her faith, her family, our industry and her integrity have made her not only a role model for me but she someone I lean on and consider family.

 

  1. What goals are you working towards in the equine industry, academically, and outside of equine?

I have an academic goal of maintaining my 4.0 GPA throughout high school. I have an equestrian goal of being fortunate enough to ride on a NCEA team and also involved in AQHA as an amateur after my youth career. I want to be an influential leader within the OQHYA and AQHYA industry and learn as much as I can. I strive to play an active role in optimizing our industry and bringing a new perspective to the table. Lastly, my personal goal is to be the most authentic me that I can be and hopefully bring a little happiness to those around me.  

 

  1. Why do you want to become and AQHYA Officer/Director?  

I want to become an AQHYA Officer to spread a message of support, commitment to growth and leadership development throughout our industry. I want to grow our industry and integrate more leadership development opportunities through the use of technology. Technology now allows us to reach members across the globe and show the true value of AQHYA to our members. I also want to represent Region 4 as best as possible on the national level. It is my mission to make sure that everyone’s voice is heard and we work together to reach our goals. 

 

  1. What motivates you to be a leader? 

The members of my local Ohio Quarter Horse Youth Association motivate me to be the best leader I can be. I believe I have the ability to listen to my peers and then communicate our collective needs, accomplishments and goals. I sincerely feel excited to lead and I am committed to growing our membership and making everyone feel involved.

 

  1. Describe a typical day outside of showing.  

A typical day outside of showing involves me waking up early in the morning, I pick up my room, go to the gym to workout and then I focus on studying or helping my mom with her business. I work very hard on my studies to learn all I possibly can but will admit that I often day dream about my horse Sterling. When my schoolwork is complete I help with chores either around the house or on our farm and then if I am not riding then I got to Tae Kwon Do class where I am training to earn my third degree black belt. 

 

  1. What is the biggest lesson you have learned through horses and leadership roles in OQHYA and AQHYA?

The biggest lesson I have learned through AQHYA and OQHYA is to never give up. I have had some amazing wins and great things in my life but I also have experienced some very difficult adversities. I have realized that it has been through the dark times that I have grown the most. I have found strength I didn’t know I had and I have learned that I can not quit. I try to pause, learn from the experience and  persevere, that is what makes true champions.