University of Guelph Western Riding
Competing under the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association
Meet the Team
Guelph's western riding team is a group of student equestrians who compete for the university in reining and western horsemanship. As part of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, we compete in the US, often in upstate New York. We are proud to represent Guelph and Canada with our equestrian talent. Our team is lucky to be coached by two amazing AQHA professionals: Rick Fleetwood and Robyn Storey.
2020/2021 Team Roster
Class 11 Beginner Horsemanship:
Oresta Hewryk
Alayna Campbell
Class 12A Rookie A Western Horsemanship:
Sarah Willing
Class 12B Rookie B Western Horsemanship:
Rachel Chater
Sarah Ashby
Jennifer Nichols
Class 13 Level 1 Western Horsemanship:
Laura Willis
Brooke Gillyatt
Class 14 Level 2 Western Horsemanship:
N/A
Class 15 Open Western Horsemanship:
Bailey Skelhorne
Danielle Mcnamee
Ethan Statford
Class 16 Open Reining Pattern:
Ethan Stratford
Bailey Skelhorne
Our Sport
Our team competes in two different western disciplines: horsemanship and reining.
In horsemanship, riders perform a pre-determined pattern of movements and gaits. Horsemanship is judged primarily on the rider's position, style, and control of the horse.
In reining, riders show a pre-determined sequence of circles, spins, and sliding stops. Reining is judged primarily on the correctness of each maneuver and the attitude of the horse.
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In both disciplines, riders "catch ride," meaning we ride a randomly determined horse from the hosting facility.
Why We Love the Team
We are all a part of this team because of our shared love for equestrian sport. In terms of our riding, we all come from different backgrounds, but everyone agrees that they've learned a great deal riding in team lessons and shows. As important as riding is to us, our enjoyment of the team goes beyond the sport. The camaraderie we share as teammates helps the team run smoothly and makes every part of our season enjoyable. We believe that this supportive environment is the key to our success as a team.
"The best part of the team is everyone who makes it up. The friendship and laughs make the early mornings worth it!"
Breanne, fourth year
FAQs
How do I join the team?
Full-time students at any University of Guelph campus are eligible to compete on the western riding team. We select our riders based on video tryouts submitted during the summer preceding each school year. If you would like to join, email us at Equest01@uoguelph.ca. We will provide you with a horsemanship or reining pattern to film at home and send back to us.
What are the expenses of being on the team?
Riders are responsible for lesson costs and entry fees at shows. Each team member must also pay a membership fee to help with other team expenses. Transportation and hotels during shows are covered through team fundraising.
Am I advanced enough to ride on the team?
Our IHSA competitions have multiple classes depending on skill level and discipline. These levels range from walk/jog to open horsemanship and reining. We are proud to accept riders at many different skill levels!
What if I don't have any show clothes?
Riders are responsible for purchasing their own show shirt. We usually have a group order at the beginning of the season. Some riders choose to purchase their own hats and chaps, although you can also arrange to borrow a teammate's.
Sponsorship
Although we represent the University of Guelph in a competitive setting, our team does not receive financial support from the school. We cover coaching and entry fees out of our own pockets, and we are only able to cover hotel and transportation costs through fundraising and a few generous sponsors. If you would like to support our team, please contact us by email. We are happy to offer businesses a return on their investment through publicity on social media and at our shows.
2020 - 2021 Sponsors
Dimestore Cowgirls
Western Apparel
Greenhawk Cambridge
Equestrian Sport Supplies
Tryout Requirements
Step 1
The first step in trying out is to download and fill out our eligibility form, which can be downloaded directly from this link. This will give us an idea of your riding ability and experience. It is also important that you review the team constitution, so you have an idea of the level of commitment that we expect from new team members.
Step 2
The next step is your tryout video. We need to see approximately 5 minutes of footage of you riding. Your video should include a horsemanship and/or reining pattern, as well as all gaits on the rail, including transitions. A horsemanship pattern to ride may be downloaded here, or you may present your own pattern (as long as it includes all gaits and at least one or two maneuvers). Those trying out for the walk/jog division may exclude any loping from their video.
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*2020 note*: If you are unable to access a horse to ride by the end of August 2020 due to the COVID-19 crisis, we will accept any video showing you riding at walk, jog, and lope including transitions.
Step 3
Send your eligibility form and tryout video to Equest01@uoguelph.ca before Friday, August 28th, 2020.
