It takes a dedicated college student to be awake, alert
and ready to compete in a cold barn at 6:30 on a Saturday morning. Yet, eight
times this year, Hamilton's Equestrian Team enthusiastically did just
that.
Smiling for the camera are Christy House '06 and Dino, owned by Jessica Perry
'05.
Christy House '06 began plans to create an equestrian club at Hamilton
even before she arrived on campus. She had been riding for 12 years and knew
that although Hamilton did not have a team, it was the type of college that
would allow her the opportunity to start one. So she sent all-campus e-mails to
gauge student interest, and by the time she arrived on the Hill last year, she
had a crew of interested riders. In fact, the "team" began practicing even
before it was formally recognized by the College. This meant that members were
on their own to raise funds for lessons, equipment and, once recognized, show
registration fees and other related expenses. The women spent a good deal of
time writing a constitution and filing registration materials with the
Intercollegiate Horse Show Association. They also took on barn chores at Fairway
Farms in nearby Westmoreland in exchange for free practice time.
Nearly two
years after its inception, Hamilton's Equestrian Team now boasts 17 members,
from skilled riders like House to a few who are trying the sport for the first
time. Riders compete individually and as a team in divisions according to their
skill level and are judged based on a point system. In its inaugural year,
Hamilton's team placed as high as third out of 11 teams -- several of which
represented seasoned varsity-level programs.
"Since we have to be at the
shows so early in the morning, we'll travel the night before and have dinner. We
spend a lot of time together as a team," House said. "We're looking forward to
great things next year as we become even more organized, cohesive and
skilled."
