By Sarah R. Schwartz ’10

Corporate Communications major Jennifer Taylor ’13 recently placed seventh in national competition, competing as a representative of Arcadia University’s Equestrian Club in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) National Competition.

Taylor rode in the Novice Western Horsemanship division in Lexington, Ky., May 6-9. More than 8,300 students representing approximately 370 colleges and universities from North American participated.

Taylor has been riding for approximately 11 years, starting with English and picking up Western a year later. As a freshman, she was particularly honored, shedding a few tears at the opportunity to show alongside some of the top riders in the country. “Competing at the national level was just an amazing experience, and I’m so happy to feel like I belong there,” she says.

Arcadia’s Equestrian Club provides students the chance to ride for pleasure while receiving professional instruction and competing in intercollegiate horse shows. Club members have their sites on expanding. “With the size our team is now, it is difficult to contend with much bigger universities. But in the coming years we would really like to be competitive as a team in our region.” With Taylor’s recent achievement, building a successful is certainly on the horizon.

“My favorite thing about riding is the bond I form with my horse,” says Taylor. “When you have a horse that you show and spend a lot of time riding, you get this special connection, mutual trust. You feel as though you would do just about anything for each other.”

Membership is open to interested students of all experience levels. For more information and to get involved, contact the Coach of Hunt Seat and Western Team, Amber Jewel at blondiej4@aol.com.