Category | Sports

Equestrian team preps for competition

Published on January 26, 2010 by Derek Wright

Throughout the week, KSU’s equestrian team members prepare for competitions at Moonlight Stables Equestrian Center in Acworth, Ga.

Sarah Sauls practices at Moonlight Stables Equestrian Center on her horse, Cowboy. Photo by Derek Wright.

Sarah Sauls, president of the team, has been riding for eight years. Sauls previously rode for Georgia Southern University, and was western style division reserve champion.  If she does well in her next competition, she has the opportunity to compete in the regional tournament this year.

A lot of people think that equestrian is easy. ”It’s not,” said Sauls, “It’s hard to get on a horse, impress the judges and look pretty all at the same time.” Junior Mali Shadmehry, vice president of the team, has been riding for 15 years. Shadmehry has competed in competitions on her own, but this is her first year on a collegiate team.

Students aren’t the only people involved with the team.  Trainers Jennifer Johnson and Lucy Molinari play an important role in the team’s success.  These women warm up the horses for the girls to use.  They also teach, critique and mentor the team.  One tough part about being a trainer is deciding which 12 of the 32 girls will participate in the competitions. The events are not only team competitions, but also they are individual events, which has a personal effect on each of the girls who ride.

“Our expectations are to be excellent, but the first two shows will be trial and error since this is our first year,” Molinari said.

The equestrian team competes in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, and their first two competitions are coming up in the next month. The first competition will be at the University of Georgia Feb. 13 and 14. It will followed shortly by a competition at Berry College on Feb. 30.

Practice sessions begin with the rider selecting his or her horse.  Riders can choose from 15 different horses, ranging from thoroughbreds to quarter horses. After the selections, the riders begin prepping the horse. Preparation includes brushing the horse’s coat, checking the feet and getting the horse saddled. Once the prepping is finished the girls go into the practice ring to work on their form. Only up to four girls can be in the practice ring at a given time.

If interested in joining the equestrian team please visit their Web site ksuequestrian.com, or they can also be found on their facebook fanpage as KSU Equestrian Team.