Alison, ‘12

When I was still in highschool all of a year ago, I constantly (ok, not really - at least frequently) searched the websites of my prospective colleges for information about extra curricular activities. Mostly I found contact informations for presidents of various clubs, but I was only curious and didn’t want to bother anyone for information. I was primarily interested in riding during college and am now on UR’s equestrian team, so I’d like to share a little about it!

The Pines - A barn about 45 minutes from campus where riding team members take lessons and host shows

The Pines is…well, we’ll call it rustic. It’s more than a bit overgrown in places and the paint on the jumps and fences is peeling.  There are trees in the middle of the ring and weeds popping up everywhere. Naturally, I find it adorable and am completely in love with it. The small barn smells good, like worn leather and wood chips. It’s a welcoming smell, one that I’d missed all summer. As we pulled up the driveway for evaluation rides a few weeks ago, I felt myself relax and finally get excited. I had been nervous about joining the team, the team where everyone seemed to have their own horses who they rode at least once daily, after taking English riding lessons for under a year. The girls I carpooled up with were incredibly nice and eager to talk about their riding experiences. I just sort of sat back and listened, contributing when I could (meaning not very frequently) and trying to absorb their equine terminology. They seemed glad to have a guaranteed walk/trot competitor on the team with them, and I was looking forward to taking lessons with girls above the age of seven for once.

Britney, a first-year, warms up in the ring before the evaluation ride

We were sorted into groups and mine rode first. As I picked up the trot and sank back into the saddle, I remembered all at once how much I loved riding and finally stopped questioning how much I wanted to be on URET. The sun was shining, laying speckled shadows through the trees and across the ring. The four girls waiting hung their arms over the fence and stood, helmets in hand, with one boot each propped casually against the bottom rails. They talked and squinted into the light to watch us. The whole scene was very much like a shot out of a Land’s End catalog. Bruce, our instructor, and Jessica, our coach, stood in the center of it all taking notes on a clipboard and organizing IHSA papers. They’re both incredibly casual and supportive. You can tell they truly enjoy what they do. Needless to say, the pleasent ride made cutting out the $400+ check at the end a bit easier. (The money covers the cost of one lesson per week and international horse show association membership.)

Another horse waits his turn  - note the dramatic, windswept bangs

I had my first lesson last week and spent most of it at the good ol’ posting trot while the experienced riders cantered and jumped. I’m glad to be in a lesson where I can learn from the other girls and I don’t mind being so far behind. The trip out was a nice mid-week escape, and when we got back to campus, everyone went to Dhall in half-chaps, breeches, and riding boots. We got more than one confused stare and each wished that we’d had big signs that said “I went riding” hung around our necks to explain the hairy, dirt-covered clothes. The first show is in two weeks or so. It’s up in Maryland so that means we’ll have to get up to leave UR at around 4am. While I’m not looking forward to the drive, I think I’ll be so excited enough to wake up early without a problem. Most girls have their first horse show at around age 8. I’m hoping that means it isn’t too hard to get the hang of showing. Some of the riders, I’m told, are real beginners – ones who started to ride only upon arriving to college. You can borrow show attire from other people on your team. That’s a real plus since tall boots run at least $300. If you’re a beginner, that’s a lot to spend on a sport you’re not sure you’ll like.

And yes, it is a sport. Anyone who’s ever ridden a horse (and I’m not talking about one of those ponies at the state fair that are led around for you and travel at a speed of .001 mph) will tell you that. I saw a bumper sticker on facebook that I thought made a good argument. It said: Dear track, soccer, tennis, basketball, golf, football, and all other sports. Does your ball, bat, racquet, club or hurdle have a mind of its own? Didn’t think so. Sincerely, horseback riding.” I’ll let you know how the shows go, and all beginners – don’t be afraid to try out URET! Everyone is really supportive and eager to help you out - It’s so fun!