Andy Bowles of the Virginia Horse Trials, Jordan Litter, Rachael Miller, Jennifer Price, Claudia Romeo, and Rob Burk CEO of the USEA
Image Credit: USEA
An Intercollegiate Eventing program was officially established in 2014 by the United States Eventing Association (USEA). By 2015 UMD had created their own 22 member team. Though the team may be new to campus, it is already making waves in the equine world. In May, 2016 the team placed sixth at the Virginia Horse Trials coordinated by USEA.
This Olympic sport breaks down into three phases: dressage, cross-country, and show jumping where the cumulative score determines the winning team. Teams can be three to four members each with only the best three scores considered. Riders’ scores are weighted according to experience, allowing for each team’s unique combination of members to shine through.
When asked what the atmosphere was like, recent Animal Sciences graduate Claudia Romeo commented, “Everyone from the schools was very helpful and it was nice to be able to exchange ideas for the club and even pointers about the courses. Eventers are generally nice, helpful riders who want to see everyone come home safe and sound and this competition was no exception.” While the name of the game was competition, the USEA strove to create a positive, collaborative environment where the different teams could share and learn from each other.
Rachel Miller, sophomore Animal Science student, was surprised to see how developed some of the schools were given how young the program is. However, this has only raised the bar for her and her team as they plan on returning next year, more refined and ready for the courses.
The UMD Eventing Team’s entry into the Virginia Horse Trials was not without cost and the team members have expressed their sincere gratitude to their donors allowing them to bring pride and prestige to our campus.
