The Equestrian Club at Indiana University expresses a tradition of horsemanship for individuals who have a deep passion for riding. The riders who are a part of this team have a range of experience from trying out riding for the first time, to individuals who have been riding for over 20 years. Regardless of the experience level, this club offers a welcoming environment to all riders that will mold lasting friendships for life.
This club has been a part of Indiana University for over seven years, and since then there has been exponential progress to the club’s success. The club is currently 35 members strong and growing. The team’s most recent competition was on March second, at the Stone Gate Horse Show, where a total of 14 women went to compete. Over the duration of the 2023-2024 school year, multiple riders have scored first place ribbons within their riding category.
Anika Pirkle explaining why a saddle is necessary for horseback riding.
An important aspect that the members of this club value is the rider’s safety. Horse riding can be a very dangerous sport where riders often get hurt due to freak accidents. With constant attention to the members of the club at all times, there have been no serious injuries that have occurred at any point in time. Ways to ensure the rider’s safety is to be aware of where you are in your riding ability and always wear a helmet.
The breakdown of practices follows a set of procedures each time for the sake of the riders and horses as well. These riding lessons can be compared to a warmup that a runner would do so that they do not strain any muscles. The horses always start off with a slow walk to warm their muscles up and make sure they are comfortable with the rider. Once the horse is all warmed up, then the riders can start incorporating jumps and faster trots.
Breakdown of what the riders do each practice to prepare for competitions.
Through the Equestrian club at IU, students have to opportunity to create special relationships with horses that are different than any human interaction.“Having a partner that doesn’t speak to you, and being able to ride it and give it cues and them understand it is like such a different connection than anything else I can explain,” said Kelli Hughes, Head Training Coach. Beyond education and training, this club serves as an environment that cultivates memorable moments and relationships with not just other riders, but the horses as well.
