Saddle Up!

I bet you didn’t even know Arcadia had an Equestrian team. Most students don’t. This is why I am here to tell you all about it! 

Let’s start with the basics. An equestrian is an athlete who rides horses. There are tons of different styles of horseback riding, but the Equestrian team here competes in English and Western. AND, new members don’t need any previous experience. We train at all levels of riding. English riders ride with the tan pants — breeches, tall boots, a suit jacket, gloves and a helmet. Western riders wear cowgirl hats, cowgirl boots, jeans and chaps. I, fortunately, am a part of both styles, competing as well. It all began as a COVID hobby, my only way out of the house in 2020. I had never ridden a horse before this because I couldn’t afford it. On one of my many visits to Arcadia in high school, an ambassador introduced me to the team, suggesting I look into it during Scarlet and Grey Day. Now I have created lasting friendships, found roommates, and have competed against schools all across the United States in the collegiate level. I’m a senior with four years of riding experience. I can’t imagine my life without horses. I even plan on adopting one once I own my own house.

The Arcadia University Equestrian Team (AUET) has accomplished so much in the last few years. In 2022, Sydney Doll made it all the way to nationals in Harrisburg, PA, for Western. In English, she advanced to the semifinals held at Centenary University and placed third. Mychajla Motuz qualified for nationals in 2022. Sydney Doll graduated in 2022 and then took her learned skills and moved across the country to work as a wrangler on a farm. She is currently in the market for another ranch contract. Another member from previous years, Tessa Wrice, combined her love for photography with her time spent with the team. She took pictures at horse shows, creating a portfolio that landed her an internship for the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). 

And 2023 has been a great year for our team! All four of our Western riders, including me, advanced to regionals, AKA quarterfinals. Our team captain Jordan Curran placed second in regionals, advancing to the semifinals held in Weirsdale, Florida in May of this year. 

Not only is this team competitive, it is also a pleasure to be a part of. Members of our team lesson 1-2 times a week, with English riders at Jentri Stables and Western riders at Red Wing Farm. Some of the riders take lessons for fun. They don’t show, but they support those who do show. Showing is not required, but encouraged because it’s fun! The show season is year round, starting in October and continuing through May. Our coaches create a welcoming learning show environment. Walking away with a ribbon is not our goal, learning lessons and improving is.

This club team is just a single example of one of the many clubs Arcadia has to offer. We put flyers up around campus, have an instagram and Facebook page and are present at all student recruiting club events. Information on all of the clubs at Arcadia can be found this way as well. Maybe you’re not interested in horses and that’s ok! We have many clubs that welcome new members daily and help create lasting friendships, such as the ones I made as a member of AUET. These clubs offer connections that very well can help build resumes, friendships and leadership skills for you to take into the future. I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and get involved at Arcadia. 

Go Knights!