The West Chester University Equestrian Team’s regular season came to a close on Sunday, March 4. WCUET almost made history this season by coming extremely close to gaining the victorious title of first place, coming in second by only two points to Delaware Valley University (DVU).
WCUET kicked off their season in the fall semester on Oct. 8 and had three consecutive wins. The riders were working and practicing harder than ever to keep fighting for the winning title, but unfortunately could not hang on to first place at the end of the season. Although WCU may have come in second at the end of the season, this was certainly the best season they have had in the past decade.
DVU has been undefeated in the region since 2009, with WCU consistently coming in second or third in the region. This was the first year that WCU came this close to clutching the winning title.
“We’ve worked so hard and had a lot of fun practicing and showing this year. I feel that this was a great season because of our team effort and strong, positive mindsets,” said Chloe Lambert, a sophomore at WCU and member of the team.
Most reading this may not even know that WCU has an equestrian team or how it works. It is a club sport at WCU and the team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association. Each team in the IHSA is placed into a region and zone based on their geographical location and size.
The WCUET is made up of about 40 horse lovers who all work together as a team in what is typically an individualized sport. They are coached by Wendy Myers.
“I love the friendships I have made and the camaraderie of competing as a team in what is usually an individualized sport,” said senior Rachel Rimmele, president of WCUET.
WCU competes against a total of 12 other schools in the region including familiar ones such as LaSalle, Penn State Berks, Millersville and many others. Riders of all riding levels and backgrounds are welcome to join the team—even individuals who do not have any previous riding experience are welcome to join. Riders are placed into an appropriate division at the beginning of each season, which is determined by Coach Myers.
These riders compete in the discipline known as hunt seat, and are judged on their equitation, position and form while performing a course of jumps or riding flat classes around the arena. Riders are also judged on how well they control and work with their horse. When a rider is competing on a team, they are competing both for themselves and for their team. Individually, each rider collects points based on the success of their performance at the show. Once a rider has reached a total of 36 points in his or her current class, they are able to move up to a more advanced division and qualify for regionals.
What makes the IHSA so interesting and compelling, however, is that each rider draws a random horse that they will ride. More often than not it is a horse that a rider has not ridden before and they do not get a chance to warm up with the horse before they must go into the arena. Therefore the rider has to watch others ride the horse and figure out how to ride each one as they are showing. This is a very unconventional way of showing compared to an individual showing his or her own horse. It is also a great experience getting to ride so many different and talented horses.
“Other than riding, my favorite part about being on the team is seeing how much hard work goes into everything we do as a team,” said Lambert.
Horse shows typically begin with a 6 a.m. departure and do not end until late afternoon or early evening. The shows happen rain or shine, no matter the temperature. It takes a great deal of commitment and financial responsibility from each member to be a part of this team.
“I am extremely proud to look back not only on this season but my entire experience with WCUET and reflect on our success and growth! As a graduating senior, it’s bittersweet; I’m sad to be leaving my team but know that it will continue to grow and improve,” said Rimmele.
Post season begins on Friday, March 23 with all the riders who “pointed out” of their division during this show season. The first show of post season is regionals, followed by zones and ending with nationals. WCUET has a total of 11 riders competing at regionals.
WCUET has certainly made their mark on the region this season and represented the Golden Rams proudly. The team will be looking for new members to join in the fall. To stay up to date, follow their Facebook page.
Mackenzie Haverdink is a fourth-year student majoring in communication studies. ✉ MH850486@wcupa.edu.