Team attracts riders with animals

At a time when many mainstream sports like basketball, soccer, or even cult sports like Ultimate Frisbee receive recognition within IU's recreational and club sports community, a sport commonly seen in the Olympics and on late-night ESPN has begun its quest to expand on campus. \nThe IU Equestrian Team consists of more than 40 members both young and old, experienced and novice, riding horses for both the thrill of competition and the relaxation of being around animals and each other. \n"The animal aspect is definitely a stress relief for me," said junior Julia Miller, secretary of the club. \nThe club was founded in the mid-1970s by IU alumna and current head coach Nadeen Noon. The two categories of competition include Western style and English style. English style can be considered more of a proper form of riding as competitors make their horses jump hurdles and prance around for style points. \nIn Western style, competitors ride on a slightly bigger horse and have to contend with bigger saddles. Some members describe Western style as being similar to the separate sport of rodeo. \nThe difference in styles can be fun for competitors who ride both ways, especially when it comes down to the clothing they wear. Western riders usually don clothing ranging from cowboy hats to flannel shirts, while English riders dress much more conservatively in black jackets and button-up shirts. All competitors must wear safety regulation boots at all times. \nBoth the Western and English-style teams compete 10 times a year on the weekends, while personal practices are held at a rider's own leisure during the week. The team competes all over the Midwest against schools such as Purdue University, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Ball State University and the University of Illinois. While the team has achieved a lot of success regionally in the last few years, this year it has a goal to be great on a higher level. \n"We are the team to beat this year," said junior Liz Atkins. "One of my big goals as president is to take the team to nationals this year. I think we have the talent to do just that."\nA majority of the members of the team are women, but the team officers insist the Equestrian Team is not a club just for females and it tries to actively recruit men. The attitude of liking or disliking equestrian, they insist, can date back to childhood memories. \n"When guys were younger they always wanted to play soccer or basketball and want to run around and beat each other up. They wouldn't be like, 'Oh I want to ride a pony,' so I think it stems from that," said club publicity chairman Julia Goodman.\nIn addition to competitions and practices, members like to be around each other in a social setting as much as possible. Whether it is fund raising, going out to dinner or doing community service with People and Animal Learning Services, the club always tries to have fun away from the barns and stables in which they compete and practice. The club always encourages people to come out and have a good time. \n"It is really a great way to get the most out of your four years at IU," Miller said.