Davis College
News/Events

The West Virginia University Equestrian Club jump-started its season with back-to-back wins in shows held during the month of October.

Comprised of two teams – Western and Hunt Seat (English) – the club has 57 members from over 20 majors.

The Western Team defeated eight universities in two shows on Oct. 3, while the Hunt Seat Team defeated 12 teams on Oct. 4.

The three shows were held at the WVU Reedsville Farm in Preston County and riders from all schools competed on a total of 40 horses – including eight recently acquired by the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design. Three of those horses were donated to the college, while the other five were purchased to further develop the equine management program.

The following weekend (Oct. 9-10), the Western Team traveled to Indiana University of Pennsylvania and the Hunt Seat Team to Slippery Rock University. Both were victorious.

Each team competes against the same schools during the regular show schedule and different schools during zones, semifinals and nationals.

Western riders show in Horsemanship and Reining classes while Hunt Seat riders show in Equitation on the Flat and Equitation Over Fences (jumping). Equipment, saddles and clothing differ between both styles of riding as well.

Riders are separated into divisions based on their abilities. For scoring purposes, each division earns points toward a team’s total score.

“Show scoring is unique in that novice riders are just as important as those who are more advanced when it comes to determining the team’s final score,” said Holly Spooner, club adviser and Extension equine specialist and assistant professor in the Davis College.

Standings from each show culminate at the end of the year and may lead teams to regional and national competitions. Last year, the Western Team placed sixth at the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association National Competition.

The teams will next compete Nov. 7-8 – the Western Team at Rutgers University and the Hunt Seat Team at Stone Gate Farms. The Hunt Seat Team will host another show a the WVU Reedsville Farm on Nov. 15.