Connecticut College’s Equestrian Team has had an impressive season so far. While they are a club team, their performance this year has shown they are capable of competing against and outperforming teams at the varsity level.
“The team is doing really well,” said sophomore team member Taryn Fitzgerald. Out of four shows this year, “we’ve won reserve high point team a few times.” Reserve high point means that out of all the teams competing they scored the second highest in total, a commendable achievement since they compete against schools like UConn and Sacred Heart, much larger schools with varsity teams. Compared to last season, the team has seen an overall improvement.
“I don’t think we ever won reserve high point or high point team last year, maybe once, but we are definitely doing better this year,” Fitzgerald said. She explained that the newfound success may be due in part to a handful of new riders competing in various events such as walk-trot, walk trot canter and novice, creating a well-rounded team.
One of these newcomers, first-year Maia Hibbett, described the season very positively so far. She noted that the home show Conn hosted on October 18 at Mystic Valley Hunt Club ran very smoothly and was completed on time, something very rare at shows.
Regardless of how the team performs, both Hibbett and Fitzgerald commented that it is always a good time and a lot of fun. “The team is always supportive whether you have a good or bad show, and we always have fun,” said Fitzgerald. Hibbett added, as a first-year, “The team is really welcoming and friendly” and she has really enjoyed being a part of it so far.
The team is going to the NESCAC competition later this month, and finally, things are starting to look up for this unique team within Camel athletics! •
