The St. Lawrence University Riding team recently placed 2nd in zones which qualified them for IHSA Nationals in Kentucky, which is a huge success for the team. Recently, sophomore rider, Emily Crabtree, was honored as SLU’s athlete of the week for winning the novice equitation over fences class to lead the St. Lawrence University riding team at the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association Zone 2 Region 2 Championships. Her Campus, wanted to sit down with Emily, to ask her about her experience riding for SLU, and her life as a competitive equestrian.
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When did you start riding competitively?
I started riding when I was 5 years old and started competing shortly after.
2.What has your experience been like riding for SLU’s Team?
Riding for SLU has been an extremely valuable experience. Not only has it helped me advance as a rider, but it has also contributed to my strong work ethic. I grew up riding for myself individually, but when riding at SLU there is added pressure due to the fact that how I do affects the rest of my team. We all rely on each other to work hard and achieve success which creates an immensely strong team dynamic.
3. What is your favorite event to compete in?
My favorite event to compete in is jumping.
4.What is your favorite part about being on the team?
My favorite part of being a member of the riding team is the success we achieve after all of the hard work we that we put in. Being an all year varsity sport that involves living animals requires an enormous amount of commitment and dedication. The coaches have taught me so much and encouraged me to push myself beyond my limits. SLU riding has had a very prosperous track record the past couple years thanks to the tireless efforts of both the coaches and the riders. Being part of a team that works so hard and puts so much time into the sport makes winning such a rewarding feeling.
5.What is it like having to take care of the horses?
Being part of the riding team involves way more than just showing up to practice and riding a horse. Most members of the team spend an average of 3-8 hours at the barn a day. In days leading up to a competition, if I’m not in class, I expect myself to be at the barn. We are required to partake in weekly chores and it is our responsibility to take care of the horse we rode that day. Chores include mucking stalls, cleaning tack, grooming, feeding, and general barn maintenance. The horsemanship aspect of the sport is crucial because it forces riders to establish a connection with the horses, which in turn makes us better riders.
Having to spend such a substantial amount of time at the barn has really helped me build quality time management skills. I’ve been able to transfer the skills I’ve gained from the riding team to other organizations on campus. I am also a Senator for the Thelomathesian Society and member of Delta Delta Delta.
6.What is something someone might not know about riding or being on the team?
A unique aspect of intercollegiate riding is the way the competitions are structured. The school that is hosting the horse show supplies the horses. Right before you ride, you are given a horse through the process of a random draw. This means that at away shows, it is likely that we draw a horse we have never seen or ridden before. You are not allowed to get on your assigned horse and practice before you go in. You just mount this unfamiliar horse, walk into the show ring, and figure it out as you go. This helps to test each rider’s ability to be able ride all different kinds of horses.