The Equestrian Team

team

Any member of Earlham’s Stable Co-Op is eligible to be a member of our equestrian team which competes as a part of the IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Show Association). Earlham’s Equestrian Team is composed of students with a range of riding abilities, because the association which organizes the IHSA believes that any student should be able to compete in equestrian sports regardless of financial capabilities or riding experience. The team meets twice a week: once a week to go over team information and once a week for practice. Our team is coached by Joan Clark, a Richmond resident and an experienced horsewoman, who graciously donates her time to team.

The team shows in about ten shows a year, riding against such schools as Purdue University, Indiana University and IUPUI. During shows, horses and riders are paired up by a random drawing system, which helps to create an even competition field in which the rider is judged on skill and ability. Riders accumulate points through placing in their classes during shows. When a rider moves up a level (which is accomplished be accumulating a certain number of points) in IHSA they qualify for the Regional Competition at the end of the year, which can, in turn, qualify them for competitions at Zone and then National levels.

team

This past year Earlham’s small team of nine riders sent six to Regionals! Earlham’s team is unique in that anyone interested in being on team, as long as they are a member of our co-op, is welcome to join. There are no tryouts, and no one is ever turned away. ECET prides itself on team spirit and sportsmanship, not only in practice, but also at shows. To this end, team members are encouraged to aid other teammates in preparing to enter the show ring and to cheer them on. Some other rules to promote team unity and spirit are: Team members are not permitted to sleep or do homework while at the show; The team leaves Earlham together in the early hours of the morning and leaves the shows together in the afternoon. These rules were set down so that all riders on the team could receive equal encouragement from their teammates.

Since our team is small, everyone works hard at creating an even more exciting and team-like atmosphere for each rider that enters the ring. ECET is mostly interested in having a team that is joined together in their love for horses and who are willing to put forth the hard work necessary to excel both as an athlete and as a good teammate.

If you are interested in joining the Earlham Equestrian Team, or have any questions, please contact Lindsey Brizendine, this year's team captain.

*Information written and provided by Lindsey Brizendine.