Horseback riding and Muncie are two words not often associated with one another. However, Ball State has its own equestrian team made up of 23 members.
The team practices at Fox Run in Daleville. This is the closest horse facility to campus. Members aren't required to own a horse to be in the club. Horses are available at Fox Run and it's included in the membership price.
The majority of them "shows," which means they ride horses in front of a panel of judges. This presentation is based on how natural the horseback riding looks and how smoothly the ride goes.
Freshman Lisa Taylor explained the two disciplines the team can ride. "Western style is slow, like what you see in old cowboy movies," she said. "English riding involves more jumping. The two types use different saddles."
Senior Kim Richwine has been a member of the team since her freshman year and is the current president. Richwine has shown horses since she was very young, and has shown on the collegiate level for four years now.-á
According to Richwine the Equestrian Team's season lasts all school year. There are approximately 20 competitions per year.-á They're usually split up equally between the western and English styles. The Inner Collegiate Horse Show Association only allows a maximum of 10 riders per category.
The region Ball State competes within includes a few schools in Illinois, in addition to Purdue, St. Mary, Taylor, Butler, and IUPUI. This year BSU's western team placed third in the regional competition.-á
Sophomore Jilian Kimball placed first in the region in both Western and English disciplines. She also competed in Zones last weekend. Zones are the level between regional and national competition. Placing second there gave her the opportunity to advance to nationals. That competition will be held May 2nd through May 4th in Tennessee.
"I'm not really nervous, but I'm pretty excited," she said. "I'm just going to my weekly lessons as usual."
The equestrian team is open to all students regardless of whether of not they've had previous experience with horses or not. Members pay dues at the beginning of the year, which include one lesson a week. The fee is slightly increased for members who want to ride western and English. They are also required to take two lessons each week.
According to Richwine the team is a good venue to learn from. Individuals can learn from the ground up or can be an experienced rider.
For more information about joining the team, contact Kim Richwine at kimrichwine@hotmail.com.-á
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