“It’s a nice way to continue riding,” she said.

The Equestrian team, which was started in the 2005-06 school year, is now rearing up for its upcoming season of competitions.

The team competes in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association against Miami University, the University of Findlay, Otterbein College, Wilmington College and Ohio Wesleyan University. According to Hafer, a senior, competitions usually occur October through November and February through March. The team’s next competition is on Nov. 14 and 15 at the University of Findlay.

The team participates in two different styles of riding: Western and English. Western, also known as “stock seat,” is more laid back, while English, also known as “hunt seat,” is more disciplined.

Though the team was founded a year prior, the team didn’t begin competing until the 2006-07 school year. BGSU didn’t recognize the team as a club sport until 2008, when professor Daniel Fasko became the team’s club adviser. Fasko said he volunteered for the job due to his interest in horses, as he rode Western when he was younger.

“I sign a lot of paperwork,” he said, laughing.

The team also trains with Leslie Webb-Janiak at her stable, Oxford Farm, which is located in Swanton, Ohio, as BGSU does not have any of its own horses. Webb-Janiak is an A-circuit trainer and competitor.

However, despite the team being relatively new, it is no stranger to victory.

Senior Jessa Franz, the team’s English captain, said the team has won many awards, both individually and collectively. A member received the High-Point Rider Award last year, and some members have gone on to regional and national competitions. The team’s highest ranking among the other universities in its association is second.

Hafer, who has served as the team’s treasurer since the beginning, said she would like to see the team continue on and eventually grow to 50 members. And though it is a long shot, Franz said she would like to see the University host shows some day.

Like any organization at the University, the team offers the opportunity to make great friends and memories, member Emily Bloom wrote in an e-mail.

“It’s wonderful to have a hobby you love that you can be serious about, make tons of friends and learn life long lessons throughout the journey,” she wrote.

As for gaining more recognition around campus and with the University, “That’s been a goal all along,” Hafer said.

For those interested in joining, the team meets Monday nights at 9:30 p.m. in 205 Olscamp. They are looking for riders who are at a competitive level, or could be within the next few months.

Riding Styles:

Western (Stock Seat):
Flashy
Laid-Back
Highest level is reigning,
Reigning is doing patterns while mounted on the horse

English (Hunt Seat):
Proper
Disciplined
Highest level is jumping
Jumping is jumping horses over fences 2’ 3” to 2’ 9”

Source: Equestrian Team English Captain Jessa Franz