In a quest for their sixth straight region title this spring, the equestrian team finished the fall portion of their schedule undefeated. PHOTO CREDIT: Siobhan Richards
Like many other teams last season, the University of Rhode Island Club Equestrian team had to sit patiently and wait as the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out all competitions last year; few were able to bounce back the way URI did, however.
Competing for the first time in nearly 18 months, Rhody not only finished the Fall 2021 season undefeated, but they were the best Zone 1 Region 1 team by 24 points.
The team’s success to this point has been a testament of their passion for the sport and each other, according to Head Coach Wendy Brayman.
“The most important part going into this season is that we have a group of girls that are passionate about the team as a whole,” Brayman said. “I think putting that all together has made us a real team.”
The team was able to go on this run even without as much experience. Because of the circumstances last season, URI had many more “first-year” riders than usual, a rarity in the sport.
“This year we had two years of first-years,” Brayman said. “It’s a big jump for these kids to be able to just get on any random horse and go do what they’re supposed to do.”
The league the team participates in, the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) also saw some major changes during this season, becoming smaller overall. The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and Becker College were among teams that did not return this year, while Brown University––formerly Division II––transitioned into a club team.
This fall, URI participated in three total shows, including their home show on Nov. 13. Hosted at Hunter Ridge, their home barn in Ashaway, the event brings in teams from all over the region for one big competition.
The home show also provided an opportunity for the team to showcase as many of their riders as possible. Being one of the biggest teams in the region, team president Lydia Maskell believed this show was a great opportunity for everyone to showcase their skills.
“It’s very nice to see everyone get that opportunity,” Maskell said. “It’s nice to see the team work together and really bring the competition together for the region.”
One of the school’s biggest competitors in recent years has been Roger Williams University, with Coach Brayman describing them as a “very strong” team. Both Brown and Johnson and Wales University have also had good showings against Rhody this season.
In the spring, URI has at least two more matches scheduled, with sights on becoming Zone 1 Region 1 champions. Having finished at the top of their region for the last five seasons, the team hopes to remain undefeated on their way to another championship.
“Our biggest focus is to stay competitive and stay working hard,” Brayman said. “Everybody’s going to be more competitive in the spring.”
This upcoming season will be the last for Maskell, who is set to graduate in the spring. While she has many fond memories of the team, she said she’ll miss seeing her teammates the most.
“It’s very rewarding to see the different riders improve their skills and their knowledge,” she said. “I think my favorite memory so far has been the friendships I’ve made on this team.”
Maskell hopes to end her time with the URI equestrian team on a high note as her squad looks to capture their sixth straight region title this spring.