They are not in the spotlight enough and the skill it takes to master their craft is exceptional.
That is a solid definition for the Equestrian Club at Taylor University. Run by Jenny Schamber and Amanda Wilson, the club has been riding and competiting at Taylor for forty years.
The club has two sections: English and Western. Each group faces its own differences and challenges.
English has the classic riding uniform with a vest, pants, boots and hat. Western, on the other hand, has a look similar to a cowboy, complete with a cowboy hat, boots, jeans and chaps.
Each type of competition also has its own horses. In the English division, the horses are smaller and more agile while Western horses are bigger and slower, with larger saddles.
Athletes are randomly given horses on the day of an event. This brings more challenges as they do not get a chance to practice and build a relationship with a horse before riding in competition.
At an event, the Taylor team splits into divisions based on each athlete's skill level. English riders go through more jumps and other agility events. Western riders do more rail work or patterns. Judges are there to watch and grade each ride and points are given out based on the performance.
As each rider is given their score, universities can also receive overall points and win events.
Lauren Dykes is a junior and vice president of the equestrian team at Taylor, riding in the English division. She grew up riding horses and wanted to be a veterinarian.
“I took lessons when I was five, and I started competing when I was fifteen,” Dykes said.
Her favorite part is having a place at school where she can do what she loves and be in community with people who share her joys. Being able to connect with God’s creation is a special privilege.
The athletes and coaches held the team's chemistry in high regard. Dykes spoke on how they attract many different personalities, but they all share core values and enjoy similar things. It teaches them how to connect with people they wouldn’t interact with usually.
Coach Jenny Schamber, who has thirty years of experience in coaching in the equestrian world, talked about the different activities the team does to grow together.
“They have team dinners on Saturday nights to build camaraderie. Practices also give them an opportunity to get to know each other,” Schamber said.
A typical practice is held at Rope This Ranch. The riders split up into sections and divisions, each with their own areas to work on. Schamber gives instruction throughout the practice and explains how to improve during and after competitions.
Hannah Beidelman is a junior and holds the position of president of the Equestrian Club. When she’s not riding in the Western division, she is in charge of administrative duties, whether that is having people sign up or doing the small things that help keep the team running.
“With Western competitions, we do what’s called patterns,” Beidelman said. “Basically, you are given a set of movements to do, like a walk, trot or canter, then you have to replicate that.”
The other option is railwork, where you ride the horse around the arena with the judge sitting in the middle. Riders are judged based on how well they sit on the horse, how well your posture is or how well your presentation and presence is.
Beidelman mirrored the opinions of Dykes and Schamble with the connection the team has.
“We are trying to be intentional about keeping community,” Beidelman said, “Knowing that you have a set of people who share a love for riding is really cool.”
The club hosts a spring fundraiser every year, and Schamber and the rest of the riders are always looking for more equestrian enthusiasts to saddle up and join.
