The equestrian sport has had a long and storied history here at Pepperdine. It has had a revival of sorts in the past year, due in large part to the ladies who have invested their time and efforts into bringing the proud sport back to Pepperdine.
Originally established on-campus in 1971, the program lost traction and was nearly shut down in 2001, becoming relegated to a club. New life has been breathed into the program, however, thanks to the hard work of the members of the new team. Headed by team president Marissa Djernes and coached by trainers Erin Rorabaugh and Tina Hoover of Fairview Farms, the team is ready to “ride the wave” and compete against rival schools such as USC in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association for its second year in a row this October. Meet the members who are representing Pepperdine University, and see why they ride!
Name: Marissa Djernes
Major: Business Admin
(President)
“I started riding when I was 10 years old and quickly became obsessed”, Djernes said. She has taken her passion for riding and brought it to the Pepperdine community. To her, the team is an opportunity for college students not only to continue their passion for riding but also to start a new sport if they have never ridden before. She encourages anyone, beginners or veteran riders, to learn more about the team and become involved. Her goals for the upcoming season are to show other schools how hungry the Pepperdine Equestrian Team is to win, and is training with her teammates to take on any challenges they may bring.
Name: Carrie Campbell
Major: Economics
(Vice President)
Campbell’s involvement with the equestrian sport came from a sheer love of horses. “Horses keep me sane,” Campbell said. “When I am riding my horse, nothing else matters. I am completely in the moment.” After convincing her mother to allow her to take lessons, she got up on her first horse and has been riding ever since … This is her last year with Pepperdine equestrian, and she wants to make sure that she is able to take it all in and have fun riding with the team.
Name: Ali Gardner
Major:Interpersonal Communication
(Secretary)
“I’ve always loved horses, so I started horseback riding when I was eight years old. My friends and family have encouraged me ever since … I know that horseback riding will always be a part of my life,” Gardner said. She is thankful for the opportunities now available at Pepperdine to ride at the collegiate level, and is happy to represent the school with her athletic ability. She hopes to raise awareness on campus about the Equestrian Team, and encourages everyone to be on the lookout for upcoming events and fundraisers for the team.
Name: Jordan Eliasson
Major: Business Administration
Minor: Marketing
(Treasurer)
Eliasson began riding at the age of seven. What began as a Christmas gift from her grandfather became a passion for a sport that she is able to continue with in her college years. “I want to make sure that everyone, including myself, goes out there, does their best and comes out of the ring with a smile,” Eliasson said. Having access to different horses other than her own has helped her become a better rider, and she is continuing her lessons twice a week and riding back home. “Sorry Mom and Dad for picking the most expensive sport, but thank you for supporting me these past 12 years! I love you both so much,” Eliasson said.
Name: Mina Matsumoto
Major: International Business
(Spirit Coordinator)
“Being on an equestrian team is a huge part of my Pepperdine experience as a way to connect with other girls who all love the sport. The team gives me motivation to be a better rider and be competitive,” Matsumoto said. Learning to ride in 7th grade, she has continued her involvement in horse riding through the equestrian program at Pepperdine.“A majority of the university community doesn’t know that Pepperdine has a dedicated equestrian team competing all over Southern California and elsewhere. We are hoping to be able to share our successes this year with a supportive community and build a base for future Pepperdine equestrians to pursue their passions. Live free, ride hard.”
Name: Leanne Rempel
Major:International Studies/Spanish
Rempel started riding at the age of 6, after falling in love with horses at a community parade. The first time she competed was at the age of 10, and she has continued riding and competing since then.
“Riding is my outlet! It’s a major passion, and I can’t live without it,” Rempel said. To her, equestrian requires mental and physical strength, and although it can be seen as an individualistic sport, she believes the program at Pepperdine makes it a team event, and she encourages everyone to come and see them compete. “Equestrian is a very interesting sport to watch, and we’d love the support.”
Name: Kellen McGee
Major: Undeclared
“I really want to thank Louise Hollingsworth, my trainer from back home, for getting me on my feet and helping me learn to ride,” McGee said. “I want to also thank our coach Erin, for being an amazing coach for the team and my parents for giving me the support my whole life and letting me do what I love. Also, a shout out to the whole team. I love you guys.” McGee grew up riding horses, and is proud to represent the equestrian program and Pepperdine University. Riding is something she loves to do, and she wants to get better as a rider to help the team.
Name: Adriana Borges
Major: Biology
Borges became involved with horses through Girl Scout camp and the non-profit organization Ebony Horsewomen, where she was a rider and a camp counselor.
Her love for horses also stems from her desire to pursue veterinary science. The opportunity to be a part of the Pepperdine Equestrian team is important to her, and she enjoys the support and encouragement that the members all have for each other. “I love the Pepperdine equestrian team! I can’t wait for opportunities to get to know everyone better. I hope we all do well this season and have fun in the process. Thanks Mom and Dad for sponsoring and encouraging me,” Borges said.
Name:Julie-Anne Malis
Major: English Literature
Growing up in a family who ran a riding lesson and horse camp business, Malis has been around horses and involved with them for most of her life. The equestrian team has given her an opportunity to step up and compete at the collegiate level in a sport that she loves. “The key to my love of the equestrian sport would of course be the horse,” Malis said. “Horses are beautiful and dangerous, strong and fragile, and I think these characteristics make the sport so thrilling and challenging.”
Name: Laurencia Duran
Major:International Studies, Political Science Emphasis
Duran began riding very recently and has enjoyed the challenge of learning a new skill and sport. “I try to train as much as I can, and focus while I’m riding,” Duran said. “I hope to keep progressing and taking on one challenge after another.” She loves animals and believes that they have so much to teach us. Learning to ride a horse has been a challenging and very humbling experience for her. She believes the Pepperdine Equestrian team has a lot of potential and a great group of talented riders and instructors.
Name: Dominique Leaf
Major: International Studies and French
“When I came to college I thought I would have to give up riding, but then I found the team and now I can continue pursuing my passion,” Leaf said. “I love riding with a team and being a part of a Pepperdine sport.” She became involved with horse riding at the age of seven through the encouragement of her family, many of whom also ride. “I love the elegance associated with horse riding, and I love just being on a horse and having fun.” She hopes to win a ribbon this season, and understands that hard work and training are the keys to success. “We have a great team and a great trainer. I have learned so much already from everyone.”
Name: Katie Cahoon
Major: Biology
“Anyone who knows me really well can tell you that when I’m not regularly riding horses, I just complain about it all the time,” Cahoon said. She became involved in horse riding through the encouragement of her father and has enjoyed it ever since. “I love horses, everything about them. I can’t name a point in my life that wasn’t somehow associated with horses, or horseback riding. They have had such an enormous impact on my life, my personality, my way of thinking.” Cahoon hopes to broaden her skill set and capabilities through her training with the team and knows she must be proactive and conscientious while she is riding to improve.
The 2012-2013 season is set to begin this weekend on Oct. 27. The team is looking to improve their IHSA standing, in which they placed in the top 10 for their region last year. To learn more about the team and to find ways to get involved, be sure to check out their website at www.pepperdine.edu/campusrecreation/clubsports/equestrian or like them on Facebook.
