Sam Whitley

Sam grew up in Virginia Beach, where she started riding as a young child. As a junior rider, she competed at many state and national finals. To help offset the cost of riding and competing, Sam became a working student for Somerset Farms, on Long Island, at the age of 13. Somerset became a home away from home for Sam, as she would spend summer, winter, and spring breaks caring and riding customer owned horses in exchange for board and lessons.

In 2012 Mrs. Whitley graduated cum laude from Centenary University with a Bachelor’s in Equine Studies, double concentrating in Equine Business Management and Teaching and Training, as well as obtaining a minor in Business Management. During her time at Centenary, Sam was an important member of the IHSA, ANRC, and Hunter Jumper Teams. Her dedication to the multiple collegiate teams lead to many victories and great experiences in the show ring. 

With her active participation in the many events the school had to offer, Sam also found time to work for Centenary’s veterinarian, Dr. Michael Fugaro. During her time under Fugaro, Sam became familiar with diagnostic tools, lameness exams, and surgical procedures. This dedication, self-motivation, and value to Centenary’s program earned Mrs. Whitley the Amateur Affiliate Sportsmanship Award from the USHJA. This was awarded to outstanding amateurs who exemplify good horsemanship, sportsmanship, and integrity. Sam was also awarded Centenary University’s Equine Student of the Year, and received an Award of Excellence in the Classroom.

Upon graduation in 2012, Sam became the assistant trainer for Summerfield Farm, of Pittstown, NJ, and accomplished many milestones during her time with them. During her time at Summerfield she developed an impressive number of riders from their growing lesson program, who all obtained many state and national championships. 

Mrs. Whitley has seen a great amount of success in the ring herself as a professional. She has been champion at large venues such as the Vermont Summer Festival, Fairfield County Horse Show, and the Sussex County Fair. Sam has competed and ribboned at many finals and indoors such as Devon, Pennsylvania National, WIHS, and The National Horse Show in the 3’6” and 3’9” Green Hunters as well as the Conformation and High Performance Hunters. Sam’s success in and out of the show ring was noticed by many, including her alma mater. Centenary recognized Mrs. Whitley in their inaugural “30 Under 30” program. This award is given to young professionals excelling in their field.

Aside from teaching, Sam’s other passion is importing and training young horses from Europe. During this process she hand selects horses that exude top qualities and characteristics necessary for both the hunter and equitation rings. Upon import she puts the training, time and finishing touches into each horse to transform them into a successful mount for their future riders. 

In 2020 Sam made the move down to south Florida where she joined the McNally team upon arrival. Sam and Michelle share the same ideology of basic horsemanship and teaching styles, which made the move to McNally Show Horses smooth and successful.

With Sam’s experience, passion, and dedication to the sport and our riders, we know she will help you excel here at McNally Show Horses.