Olivia Cliver’s journey in equestrian sports began with a dream of competing at the North American Young Rider Championships with her off-the-track Thoroughbred, My Mitch. After years of training in eventing and reaching the advanced level, she faced setbacks, including a torn rotator cuff that prevented her from participating in the Young Riders. This led her to reassess her passion for eventing, ultimately deciding to pivot to show jumping, where she now competes at the grand prix level.
Cliver’s transition to show jumping has been successful, as she applies skills learned from eventing to navigate complex courses. She established her training and sales business, On The Mark Equestrian, in Midland, Texas, aiming to provide quality equestrian programs in her community. Recently, she and her grand prix partner, Connor 69, achieved notable victories at the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, showcasing their growth and partnership despite facing challenges, including Cliver’s knee injuries.
Looking ahead, Cliver aims to qualify for the 2026 FEI Longines World Cup Final in Fort Worth, Texas, while also developing a second grand prix horse. Her dedication to the sport remains unwavering, as she humorously reflects on her extended “gap year” from college, supported by her stepfather, who has been her biggest fan throughout her equestrian journey.