IU Western Equestrian team lassos high point titles at weekend competitions

For students who are lifelong horseback riders, leaving their horse at home during college can be difficult. The Western Equestrian team at IU helps fill this void.
The club consists of about 15 women this year.

The level of involvement within the club is completely up to members, and not everyone shows horses.

The club competes in 10 shows in the regular season.

The last competition on Nov. 5  set the tone for shows to come.

Earning two high point titles at the show, Codi McConnell, the club’s coach and captain, said she has high expectations.

“This is our first time winning as a team,” McConnell said.

McConnell said she hopes high point awards will be continuing trends throughout the regular season, which goes until February.

Brooke Blackard, a member and horse rider for 14 years, said she hopes many team members will qualify for the regional show at the end of February.

Blackard said she likes the team aspect of the club.

“I really like that there is more of a team attitude for the club,” she said. “Horses are more of an individual thing, but we still root on teammates.”

The club is open to any interested student, regardless of their experience with horses.

“If you are as passionate about riding, one of the things you miss most about being away from home is your horse,” McConnell said.

For more information about the Western Equestrian team, email the club’s president Jenna Reed at reedjc@indiana.edu.