Did you know that Oberlin College has an equestrian team? Better yet, did you know that last year they were reserve champion (second place) at a show in which they had to compete with such heavyweights as Lake Erie College and Ohio State University, both of which include the equestrian team as a varsity sport?

Or how about the fact that team president, senior Rebecca Rudolph, made it all the way to nationals last year, and junior Caitlin Jackson made it to Regionals?

As these victories demonstrate, the Oberlin Equestrian Team is truly an up and coming club sport on campus. “Last year we had 15 new first-years join the team, and we expect a similarly impressive recruit this year,” said Jackson, co-president of the team.

With this fresh talent, both experienced and novice, the team plans to pick up where they left off last year.

As Rudolph explained, “Last year was really exciting because we laid the foundation for a strong English riding team with our new coach Ric Weitzel. We even had one rider compete at the national level. We anticipate that at least nine riders will qualify for Regionals this season.” 

The team switched coaches this year, moving from a former coach at Muddy Creek Barn to Ric Weitzel’s barn. In making this move, the team hopes to find a more dedicated coach willing to improve the team both in riding skills as well as team spirit and connectivity.

“Last year we really didn’t have all that many team activities and events. We started new traditions, like riding the mechanical bull at the Whiskey Ranch, and I’m excited to see what else we will do this year,” said sophomore Abby Wolf.

In this spirit the team kicked off the new season with a picnic at their new coach’s house.

“We’re just really excited by how fast the team is growing. It’s great to see interest in all types of riding, hunt seat, western and dressage,” said Weitzel.

Along with returning president Rudolph and co-president Jackson, the team elected three new officers. Wolf is the treasurer, ensuring the team obtains necessary funding and generally handling money issues.

Sophmore Lisa Greenberg was elected secretary, meaning she books hotels for shows and schedules lessons among other duties.

Lastly, sophomore Rachel Welsh is the publicity manager; she deals with promoting team spirit, running fundraisers, baking cakes and generally getting information about the team out to the wider community.

“With all these new officers, I’m sure things will just continue to improve. We’re becoming a real, cohesive team, one that is truly competition for much bigger schools that recruit for the teams,” said Rudolph.

“I’m just incredibly excited to see how much better we will do this year, because that’s the real question. I know that we will continue to improve tremendously, and that is the most exciting thing to be sure of when you’re a member of any team.”

The team will travel to Lake Erie College for their first show on Nov. 5 and 6.