Haley Redifer, Texas A&M 12th Man Green Team Member, Brings Equestrian Discipline, Commitment to EcoAthletes Champions
Haley Redifer (Photo credit: 12th Man Productions)
Haley Redifer’s lifelong love affair with nature began in the idyllic rolling hills not far from Charlottesville, Virginia. That is why the Texas A&M equestrian team member is passionate about the need for climate and environmental actions that preserve the natural world for future generations. And that is why she is looking forward to using her platform as an EcoAthletes Champion.
“I’ve loved the peacefulness of being in nature for as far back as I can remember,” shared Redifer. “I grew up on a 20-acre horse farm and we live next to a lovely vineyard. We used to go sledding there in winters. I was and continue to be overwhelmed by how beautiful the world is. Nature documentaries also grabbed me as I’d be transported to amazing places far away from home – the Amazon rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef, and more. As I got older, I saw other documentaries, especially those of Sir David Attenborough, that showed how we are damaging and destroying these vital natural treasures. We need to protect nature by changing our ways. And we can do it.”
Redifer’s love of horses and her can-do attitude about riding them also goes back to her earliest days.
“I started riding when I was a baby,” Redifer exclaimed. “My mom rode, my sister rode, but I really caught the bug, taking being a ‘Horse Girl’ to a new level! I took care of my own show horses which gave me a special bond with them. They were pets and teammates.”
Building on her innate understanding of and connection with her horses, Redifer developed an impressive skill set as a rider.
“Becoming a top-level rider means you need to have accountability — you can’t always blame the horse,” she acknowledged. “You have to be quick on your feet because situations change, and challenges arise in an instant. I am very conscious of being present and of having a strong attention to detail. That way, my body can be in tune with my horse’s body, which has allowed me to become a ‘soft, natural’ rider, as opposed to being ‘busy’ with the horse.”
A strong competitive streak has also been a difference maker for Redifer, helping to overcome her outsider status.
Haley Redifer aboard Dave (Photo credit: Haley Redifer)
“I started competing when I was 9,” recalled Redifer. “I had ridden for fun until then, but my new pony — Dave — and I just clicked. We started winning, started getting recognition. And I was a no-name from a small town, not from any major riding establishment. So, we started competing against and beating ponies from all around the country. Then, when I was 16, I got Leo. And as with Dave, we clicked right away, and we won some big shows, which drew the attention of collegiate equestrian recruiters.”
Redifer knew Texas A&M was the place for her as soon as she visited the College Station campus.
“It’s big and small at the same time,” said the business management and consulting major. “The Aggie family is incredible; our coaches are phenomenal and our team of 50 women is just so tight.”
Collegiate equestrian has proven to be a different, more challenging animal than the junior horse show circuit, a challenge that forced Redifer to make some changes.
Haley Redifer and Doc navigate a jump in 2017 (Photo credit: Shawn McMillen)
“To be honest, I never worked out before college,” Redifer admitted. “But the horses are stronger and bigger in college riding, and they are much less familiar than when you have your own pony. So, I really trained hard, gaining 30 pounds of muscle, going from 90 to 120 on my 5’ 6” frame. I built up leg, arm, and core strength, which allowed me to quickly connect with horses.”
The Aggies had a memorable 2021-22 season, with a runner up finish in the national championships after a sterling 14-5 regular season. Redifer played a key role, compiling high scores of 90 and 92 this season in fences, with the latter being her career high.
Redifer also enjoyed a successful initial foray into environmental activism, having taken a leadership role in the new student-athlete-led 12th Man Green Team[1].
“I’ve wanted to work in student-athlete activism for a long time, so I was excited to join the Green Team to see how it was done,” Redifer asserted. “It is helping me to honestly talk the green talk and walk the green walk. The Green Team is a great opportunity to get student-athletes to not only care about saving the environment, but also to take action and make a difference on A&M’s campus.”
Joining the EcoAthletes Champions roster is adding some spring to her green step.
“I had no idea there was a community of athletes from different sports from all over the world who are pushing in the same direction in support of climate action,” said Redifer. “I look forward to learning from them and then bringing back what I learn to the 12th Man Green Team so we can have a tangible, positive impact on the environment at Texas A&M and beyond.”
EcoAthletes founder and CEO Lew Blaustein looks forward to learning from Redifer.
“One conversation with Haley showed her to be an empathic, active listener,” Blaustein observed. “That will serve her well as she continues to build the 12th Man Green Team at Texas A&M and as an EcoAthletes Champion more broadly. We are lucky to have her.”
[1] The student body is known as the 12th Man at Texas A&M home football games. They stand the entire game as a show of support.