Issue date: 11/6/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Rachel Nhan [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Rachel Nhan Freshman equestrian rider Cassie Mantor poses with her horse Bubba. Mantor is a member of the Western, or horsemanship, team. [Click to enlarge]

Cassie Mantor rides the horse around the arena with an unmistakable air of calm, quiet leadership. Even if it's not a competition, even if the complex is empty, there's something to be said about the look of silent joy and confidence on her face. Not a stride is wasted in her movements, and her experience in horsemanship is evident.

"I've been riding since I was 6 or 7," Mantor said. "My parents had horses, and I started riding with 4H, eventually moving to American Quarter Horse Association shows, then the equestrian team."

Picking her specialty, Western-style, was easier for her.

"When I needed a new horse, my parents made me make a choice of what I could do," Mantor said. "So I picked the all around events, but mostly western."

Self-described as "funny" and "kind," Mantor's laid-back demeanor is obvious even if you're only around her for a few minutes. She said Texas A&M, with its small-town feel, always seemed like a perfect fit for her.

"I love all of [Texas A&M and College Station]," Mantor said. "The town, the people, the atmosphere - it's really nice. I've always loved A&M. There's all the tradition."

She has goals, but at only 18 and in her freshman year, Mantor's not willing to pin herself down to one thing just yet, other than her major of animal science.

"[I'm thinking] possibly vet school," Mantor said. "I would like to find out what I'm going to do in the future."

Mantor is a Texas girl, complete with the enormous pickup truck, love of Dr. Pepper and addiction to country music.

"It's all I listen to," Mantor said with a slight smile.

Of course, not everything has a favorite. She likes funny movies, but can't pick one that stands out and likes "any [food] really," although she eventually mentions a preference toward Italian.

The Aggie equestrian team sits at 2-2 after snapping a two-match losing streak with a victory against Baylor on Oct. 31. Mantor's first appearance of the season was a successful one for her as well, as she beat her opponent in horsemanship 74-72.5.

This weekend, the team travels to Kansas State on Friday, and then goes to Oklahoma State Saturday. The Wildcat riders sit at 2-1, while the Cowgirls are 2-2.

"I want to have the equestrian team do well," Mantor said. "The team is really awesome."

Webster's defines horsemanship as a "skill in, or the art of, riding, managing, or training horses." Horsemanship.com goes further, saying it is "an art form that involves subtle communication between human and horse."

Watching the 5-foot-2-inch rider maneuver her horse around the arena, one wonders if the second definition might be more correct.

"I like how everything has to be perfect in order to succeed," Mantor said. "It's always a challenge."

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