WESTERN Team

What’s Going On?

Recently, Western Team came in 3rd in the Region

• Western Team Schedule (Spring 2012)

The 2010-2011 UConn Western Team

University of Connecticut’s Western Team

New to the University of Connecticut is a team filled with cowboy hats and camaraderie.  UConn’s very own Western team is made up of a group of talented and dedicated students who share a passion for equestrian sports.  The Western Team competes in Western Equitation classes in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, and with all their hard work is making their way closer and closer to the winner’s circle.  The goal of the Western team is to turn what is normally an independent sport into a team activity.  Riders are individually judged on their riding ability and presentation in the saddle, while simultaneously trying to earn points for their team as a whole.  Ribbons are awarded to individual riders as well as the high point champion and high point team at the end of each show. 

The Western team is proving to have all that it takes to become a prominent and popular University sport.  The members work together to encourage each other during competitions, as well as supporting each other during their practicum lessons.  Most members of the Western team ride together in the Western practicum lessons and have instruction from Alena Meacham, who is also the coach of the Western Team.  Competitions take place at Mount Holyoke and The University of Massachusetts, as well as at UConn itself for home shows.  Upcoming years are promising to have even more competitions and as the numbers of shows increase so do the dedication and enthusiasm of the members of the Western Team. 

Join Us

Team dinners and bi-weekly meetings also serve as a way to encourage camaraderie.  Members of the team find that they quickly forge new friendships with their fellow teammates and are always welcoming to new members.  Despite the Western team being a competitive team its main focus is to make sure every member does his or her best and takes a positive experience from every show.  Riders of all levels of experience are welcome: IHSA caters to those who have barely sat in a Western saddle to those that have been competing in Western Equitation competitions all their lives or are even experienced Reiners.  Riders are able to gain more practice in the show world in an environment that inspires self-improvement as well as teamwork.  So if you’re interested in working with horses, experiencing the world of Western equitation, and becoming a part of a team that believes in camaraderie and working hard to achieve your goals then stop by UConn’s horse barn and talk to Alena or one of the team’s many members.  We’re happy to meet you and have a spot on the team for riders of all levels.

- Kaitlyn Lesnikoski, Feb. 2011

For more information, please email Coach Alena Meacham at alena.meacham@uconn.edu

Last updated: 04/05/2012 1:35:38