tom o'mara
NCEA co-chair & dad to a powerhouse equestrian family

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Aired March 23, 2018

Tom O’Mara is co-chair of the National Collegiate Equestrian Association’s advisory board, as well as a frequent guest on the Plaid Horse’s Plaidcast, where he keeps listeners updated on the latest NCEA news. He is also a horse show dad – and husband – who knows the competitive horse world like few others, spending 35 weekends out of the year on the road attending horse shows... where his four equestrian children competed at a whopping 34 Equitation Finals.

It would be easy to focus on the incredible professional and competitive accomplishments – his own and his family’s – and on the difference Tom O’Mara is making across the US through the NCEA to draw support for collegiate-level equestrian competition.

But at the heart of his infectious enthusiasm, his phenomenal knowledge, his terrifically positive energy, and always-upbeat nature… is a justifiably proud and incredibly engaged father and husband, who – years ago – first fully embraced the horse world, sharing in his family’s passion and remarkable talent, traveling nonstop, and – along the way – becoming known in his own right for his expertise, his own passion, and his drive to make available to all young equestrians the same opportunities his own children experienced.

Just a few of the family's highlights:

In 2016, T.J. had a stellar year: winning the USEF Medal Finals, winning the USEF Talent Search- East Finals, and placing third in the ASPCA Maclay Finals. Currently a student at the University of Kentucky, T.J. recently placed within the top 10 in the $50,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix at HITS Saugerties.

Meg matriculated from the University of Georgia in 2017 as the most decorated Bulldog in Georgia Equestrian history. In 2012, she won the USEF Medal Finals, placed second in the USEF Talent Search- East Finals, and fifth in the ASPCA Maclay Finals. At UGA, she was NCEA All Champion, SEC Rider of the Year, and awarded All SEC status. 

Abby also graduated from the University of Georgia as a decorated student athlete. She holds the fourth all time career record wins at UGA, and was an NCEA All American and All SEC. With a Master’s Degree in Education Psychology. Abby joined the equestrian coaching staff at Texas A&M.

Casey attended Auburn University, obtained a graduate degree, and is currently a mental health professional.