The equestrian team, a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, is a unique club sport that welcomes all levels of horse riders to train and compete at the collegiate level.
They compete in Zone 8 Region 2 of the IHSA. Other participating schools in their region include Southern California, University of San Diego, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, Cal Poly Pomona and University of Arizona.
The effort required of members depends on the level of skill of the individual rider. At the Fairview Farms Facility members have the ability to utilize the jumping arena, the lunging area, pastures, scenic trails, the piping and the box stalls. There, students harness and sharpen their horse riding skills in preparation for competition.
The fall semester will feature competitive events beginning with their first Show Packing on Nov. 1 followed by the Cal Poly Pomona Horse Show from Nov. 2-3, another Show Packing on Nov. 8, the UCSD hosted Show at Galway Downs from Nov. 9-10, a Show Packing on Dec. 6 and the USD hosted Show at Sweetwater from Dec. 7-8.
At these events riders will be required to draw a random horse, mount the horse immediately and partake in a variety of contests while being judged upon horsemanship and equitation.
Seaver students with a passion for horse riding that transcends the over-fence and flat competitions will also get to learn about “hard work, friendship and doing what one loves,” the equestrian club’s Information Packet states. “Competition plays a role, but student enthusiasm and team spirit are the major objectives. Emphasis is on learning, sportsmanship and fun.”
The club fosters more than just the opportunity to compete in shows throughout California and Arizona; the club also fosters the opportunity to meet people with common interests and create worthwhile friendships.
These bonds are strengthened through social events, such as the annual fall fundraisers, Spring Fundraising Dinner and auctions.
On Saturday, Aug. 17, returning members hosted their summer fundraiser, the Hidden Valley Ranch Barbecue. The team was incredibly grateful, “to all of [the people] who were able to help support the team,” and they “were pleased to have President Andrew K. Benton and his wife Debby at the event,” club president senior Julie-Anne Malis said.
Beyond the perks of social events, weekly training and collegiate competition opportunities, members are expected to fulfill certain commitments to the club as outlined in the club’s bylaws:
“All team members must pay dues and fees on time and in full, maintain a 2.0 GPA, complete and sign all forms, attend at least two practices per week on time and consistently participate in the planning of and attend all fundraisers, attend business meetings, and, if applicable, leadership meetings.”
More information regarding membership will be provided tonight at the 7:45 p.m. general info meeting in the Keck Science Center lounge. Malis will be able to answer any and all questions concerning memberships, and she says that the Pepperdine equestrian club looks forward to new students who wish “to join our growing family.”
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As published in the Sept. 5 issue of the Pepperdine Graphic.
