The Seton Hill University (SHU) Equestrian team is making their way through yet another successful year. Being in the NCAA this year, everyone is handling it quite professionally. The team abides by the rules of the school as well as the rules of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).
“NCAA is tough for us because equestrian isn’t something I think they expected. It’s a tough sport in a lot of ways to apply the same rules to, because we just do things differently. But we are all taking things in stride and doing our best to get done what we have to get done, however they want us to do it,” said Ali Sedlacko, a senior student and member of the team.
By Michelle Polly
Staff Writer
The Seton Hill University (SHU) Equestrian team is making their way through yet another successful year. Being in the NCAA this year, everyone is handling it quite professionally. The team abides by the rules of the school as well as the rules of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).
“NCAA is tough for us because equestrian isn’t something I think they expected. It’s a tough sport in a lot of ways to apply the same rules to, because we just do things differently. But we are all taking things in stride and doing our best to get done what we have to get done, however they want us to do it,” said Ali Sedlacko, a senior student and member of the team.
As a team, you always want to achieve as much as you can, and that is exactly what they are doing. “I think our main goals for this year are just to strive to keep ourselves in the top of the competition,” said Jenni McGee, a sophomore student on the team.
The team is ranked one of the top three teams in the region as they were last year and they are working hard to make it to regionals, the zones, and then to nationals, again this year.
The biggest competition for the team this year seems to be West Virginia University (WVU).
Regardless of the competition, the SHU equestrian team is dedicated and motivated to stay on top, and will continue to do so.
“The team is just as great this year as it was last year. We have all of the same girls, since we didn’t lose any last year, and three additions to the team. I think it is going to be a great year for all of us individually and as a team. We have high expectations for ourselves this year,” said Katie Taylor, a sophomore.
They work hard each and every week, in competition and during practice. When they are not preparing for a show the team has one riding lesson a week, and when they are preparing for a show they have two riding lessons a week.
“One goal I have for myself this year is to improve my riding. In any sport you are always looking to improve,” said McGee. Just like any other team, they strive to succeed in the ring and out of the ring as well.
They gained three freshmen this year, who all are adjusting to the team very quickly.
The girls have done an amazing job for themselves and the team so far, and have the mind set and motivation to keep going.
