Rachel VanDemark is a Rutgers Equestrian Team star! From a young age, she has been passionate about riding horses. Rachel’s enthusiatic smile is contagious and her talent is undeniable. Read on to learn more about this talented Rutgers woman.
How did you become involved with horse shows?
I started riding horses when I was around two or three years old. My grandfather owns a horse boarding facility and my aunt is my trainer. My mom also had a horse growing up, so I was born into this sport. I did my first horse show when I was three years old, and I never stopped! When I went to college, I knew that Rutgers had an equestrian team and I could not wait to be a part of it. I joined the team the fall of my freshman year and have been showing with them for over a year now.
Racehl after winning high point rider of the day at the University of Scranton hosted horse show last fall. Photo credits to Lauren Blaha Photography.
What is your favorite part of competitions?My favorite part of of horse shows is having the opportunity to validate all the hard work that is put into being successful in this sport. Horseback riders spend countless hours mastering our craft, and horse shows are an amazing way to put all your training together and show what you have accomplished. Watching my teammates put in great rides, conquer obstacles that stood in their way, have fun and cheer each other on are definitely the best parts of serving as English team captain of the Rutgers equestrian team.
Rachel competing in a flat class at the Lehigh University hosted show. Photo credits to Lauren Blaha Photography.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?The best piece of advice I have ever received was given to me by my mom, who grew up riding and competing on her own horse. When I was younger, she used to quote the esteemed horse trainer and coach of the United States Olympic Equestrian Team, George Morris. The quote is, “If riding were only blue ribbons and bright lights, I would have quit a long time ago.” As an extremely competitive individual, if I did not do well at competitions as a child, I would often let the defeats discourage me. My mom always helped put things into perspective, and remind me that no matter what horse shows you do or what ribbons you get, what really matters is the hard work you put in to train and prepare and having a passion for the sport and the horse.
Rachel competing on her personal horse, Lara, at the 2014 Marshall and Sterling Insurance League National Finals. Photo credits to ESI Photography.
Where do you see yourself after graduation?After graduation, I see myself entering the work force as a Pediatric Oncology Nurse. I also plan on eventually going professional in the equine industry and becoming a riding instructor and horse trainer as part of the family business. I would love to one day invest in a high-caliber competition horses and compete at the Grand Prix level and in International Hunter Derbies. No matter where I end up in life, horses will always be a part of it!