Photo by Aliyah Hardesty, Aliyah’s Timeless Photography
1. Sportsmanship
Collegiate equestrian programs seek riders who not only excel in the saddle, but also possess qualities in leadership, sportsmanship, and dedication. Often times equestrian athletes only ever compete as an individual (with their horse of course). Making the transition from an individual sport to a team sport is a huge adjustment, especially when many horse people communicate better with their horses than fellow humans. On a collegiate equestrian team, the structure of horse showing is different; therefore, each teammate’s ride effects the success of your team at large. Not only do the horses need support, but your fellow teammates do as well.
2. Academic Balance
While dedication in practice and at competitions don’t go unnoticed, neither do athletes’ grades. This means that equestrian career accolades won’t cover up academic achievements or lack thereof. Most equestrians live and breathe horses, but during college it is crucial that they learn to balance their time at the barn effectively, so they can succeed in the classroom. Depending on the University, riders may be required to complete study hall hours, attend advising sessions, and maintain a certain GPA to practice and compete on the team.
3. Strength & Conditioning
Not only do equestrian collegiate athletes train throughout the week in the arena, but also as a team in the gym. Many teams incorporate strength and conditioning training into the athlete’s weekly schedule to improve rider stability, endurance, balance, and coordination through isometric exercises. Whether you will be competing collegiately or not, prioritizing time for your own personal fitness outside of riding will benefit both you and your equine partner.
