Mississippi College student Sydney Pace, 18, has been riding horses since she was 9 years old. At 4 feet 11 inches tall, the Oxford native has become an expert at handling horses vastly larger than herself. 

A psychology major, Pace said it’s long been a goal to join the riding team at Mississippi College. Established in 2007, the equestrian program operates at Providence Hill Farm in Hinds County. However, with the recent loss of the team’s coach, there is currently no team in place. This means students don’t compete in competitions, but Pace and other riders at the college do earn a physical education credit. She still rides for the enjoyment, and for her love of horses. 

  • Sydney Pace leads Key West from his stall to a grooming station to prepare him for a ride at Providence Hill Farm in Hinds County, Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
  • Key West is a study in patience as Sydney Pace, adjust a bridle to the large horse at Providence Hill Farm in Hinds County, Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
  • Key West enjoys a brush-down by Mississippi College student Sydney Pace, 18, of Oxford at Providence Hill Farm in Hinds County, Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
  • Sydney Pace is a psychology major at Mississippi College in Clinton. Pace grooms Key West in preparation him for a ride at Providence Hill Farm in Hinds County, Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
  • Key West remains patient as Sydney Pace adjusts a bridle on the large horse at Providence Hill Farm in Hinds County, Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
  • Sydney Pace, 18, of Oxford, is a psychology major at Mississippi College in Clinton. Pace and her mount Key West perform jumps at Providence Hill Farm in Hinds County, Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
  • Key West nuzzles for treats from Mississippi College student Sydney Pace after a ride at Providence Hill Farm in Hinds County, Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
  • Sydney Pace, 18, is a psychology major at Mississippi College in Clinton. Pace and her mount Key West head back to the stables after a ride at Providence Hill Farm in Hinds County, Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
  • Mississippi College student Sydney Pace and her mount Key West after a ride at Providence Hill Farm in Hinds County, Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today

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Vickie King has experience as a professional photographer spanning 35 years- from childhood purchasing her first camera by selling flower seeds to neighbors, as a stringer for Associated Press in Des Moines, Iowa, a freelancer shooting an album cover to your loved one’s wedding, and your kids and pets at a J.C. Penney portrait studio. She joins the Mississippi Today team as a photojournalist.

A native Mississippian and resident of Jackson, Vickie was born in Laurel.
You know her work from years as a staff photographer for the Clarion-Ledger. Her award-winning photography has appeared in such publications as the New York Times, Editor & Publisher Magazine, People Magazine, in national news broadcasts, and books depicting the devastation of Hurricane Katrina to the glory of Ole Miss football.

Most recently, she is the former photographer, Special Projects Officer IV, Staff Officer I, videographer, and online content producer for the Mississippi Department of Corrections. She is also a Pulitzer Prize nominee for Spot News.

Vickie is a graduate of Simpson College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Relations.