At Ohio University, there are several niche student organizations and clubs that pique the diverse interests of college students. For students interested in horses and equestrian activities, there are two organizations at OU that demonstrate this hobby: the OU Western Equestrian Team and the OU Hunt Seat Equestrian Team.
The Hunt Seat Equestrian Team is an Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, or IHSA, team, which focuses on partaking in various competitions and community services near Athens.
Emma Boczulak, a freshman studying wildlife and conservation biology, began riding horses when she was 3. Since Boczulak has never had her own horse, she said it was beneficial to her experience in the Hunt Seat team’s competitions.
“We compete on the other college’s horses, so when you're competing, it's a horse you've never ridden before and you've never met,” Boczulak said. “So, that's something I grew up doing because I never had my own horse."
OU’s Western Equestrian Team focuses on western-based riding and lesson opportunities. The team’s horses are accessed through their partnership with Hocking College, which allows members to obtain lessons and ride horses locally. During their ISHA shows, the Western Equestrian Team utilizes a similar tactic to the Hunt Seat team, as its riders select names out of a hat and show the chosen horse without any prior practice.
Alyssa Wilson, a senior studying biological sciences, said this strategy can add an extra layer of difficulty to the competitions.
“In the past, I've ridden horses that have just been my own; I've been practicing for years,” Wilson said. “So, riding a horse that (you) don't even know adds a little bit to the equation, (and it) levels out the playing field. But it's fun that way just to see what you are going to get.”
Emma Tremblay, a junior studying biology who is a member of both organizations, said the COVID-19 pandemic heavily impacted the number of members in each of the groups.
“It's been hard to recruit, so our team has shrunk,” Tremblay said. “But we're pretty much back to practice, and we're back to shows, and everything else is as normal as it can be right now.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wilson said the Western Equestrian Team engaged virtually all of last year. This loss of time, Wilson said, significantly reduced the opportunities to take lessons, ride and show.
“Unfortunately, for a senior like me, that took away a year from possibly moving up to another level,” Wilson said. “But we've adapted, and we've kept the club together, which is really a good thing. We persevered through it.”
Despite the difficulty with recruitment and transitioning back to in-person after a year online, Wilson said her team has demonstrated its determination and persistence in its abilities.
“I love seeing the new members come in and how enthusiastic they get about the club,” Wilson said. “They were a little hesitant first coming in … but I've really seen them become more confident. They put their heart and soul into this club. I love seeing how much of a team they are.”
For Boczulak, while the bond she shares with her teammates is important to her, she said her favorite part of the club is still what is at the core of it all: the horses.
“I definitely love having a group of friends that all love to do the same thing that I do,” Boczulak said. “But the horses have always been the reason why I'm in it. I would take just being around horses over riding any day. I think being able to be around so many incredible horses every day is the best.”
For students interested in joining either of the equestrian teams at OU and partaking in future lessons and competitions, the respective officers can be contacted through Bobcat Connect.
