Mary Baldwin University’s equestrian team took home multiple ribbons after competing at the Intercollegiate Horse Show at Hollins University on February 11.
The Intercollegiate Horse Show Association is a non-profit organization that provides collegiate riders of all skills the opportunity to compete individually and as teams in equestrian competition.
MBU students joined 10 other colleges and universities during the competition, including Bridgewater College, Hollins University, the University of Virginia, James Madison University, Sweetbriar College, and Randolph-Macon College.
According to the club’s advisor and Assistant Professor of Theatre and Shakespeare and Performance Kerry Cooke, Mary Baldwin’s competition zone is the most competitive in the nation.
Competitions usually take place on Saturdays at a different college or university. The host school provides the facility, horses, and tack.
Teams arrive and are expected to ‘catch ride,’ which is when participants draw horses’ names out of a hat. The horse they draw will be the one they ride in their class; they are not allowed to practice before their class competes. The horse handler helps the rider mount and enter the arena with up to five other riders. The riders are judged on their riding based on the skill category into which they fall.
Students Michaela Hedrick, Josephina Reeder, and Jackie Cottingham competed at the most recent show. Hendrick won first place in her class competition, Reeder came in fourth, and Cottingham placed sixth.
To be eligible for the equestrian team, members must practice and ride once a week at Grey Gables Farm in Augusta County. However, most of the athletes take the opportunity to ride more than once a week.
“Practice is everything from very fun and rewarding, to physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging,” Cooke said. “But it is always supportive.”
Horses are athletes in their own right, too, according to Cooke, and while it’s important for the actual riders to practice and have positive attitudes, it’s equally important for the horses.
“Riding is like other sports but we also have the horses to consider. They have their own personalities, ideas, and moods,” said Cooke. “In other words, our definition of teamwork cuts more than one way.”
Despite all of the hard work and occasional obstacles, when the team does well in competition Cooke says she experiences a sense of pride and satisfaction.
“For me, when the team members win, it is a moment when we can all be proud of the work they did in their class, but also all the work they do leading up to it,” Cooke said. “Of course, the same can be said when they don’t win. The grit and grace these students have is truly incredible, and an honor to witness.”
Traditionally, MBU has been competitive in equestrian competitions nationwide. In the mid-20th century, Mary Baldwin riders won nationals for 10 years in a row.
The team has about five active members; there are 10 students working to develop an equestrian/riding club for students who don’t compete but enjoy being at the barn next semester.