The interests of high school athletes have become more varied in recent times. Traditional sports programs still reign at the top of the participation charts and in spectator attendance but many high schools have begun to offer more options for today athletes.
In Columbus, two high schools have embraced the idea that athletics can and should involve opportunities for athletes to pursue interests outside the norm. Brookstone School and Columbus High School recognized students at their respective schools were already actively involved in equestrian sports away from school and offer programs for their student body.
Some schools in other parts of the state actually have boarding facilities for horses. Locally, the Brookstone and Columbus High riders board their horses at area riding facilities or barns although a few athletes have stables at their homes.
Dradyn Hinson teaches at the lower school at Brookstone and is also the sponsor for the school’s equestrian team. Hinson, who is a lifelong rider as well as competed in equestrian sports at The University of Georgia, had a vision to bring the sport to Brookstone mainly to recognize a couple of students who had achieved great success as riders.
“I knew these two students had done so much and accomplished so much outside of the school and I felt like they were every bit as much athletes as any other team had to offer. Many girls at Brookstone are involved in equestrian sports on their own so it was an opportunity to call attention to the sport and give these athletes a chance to have a place at their school,” says Hinson.
Beginning in the fall of 2013, Brookstone placed equestrian sports on its roster of team sports in the athletic department. Although the school’s equestrian team is not part of the high school athletic association which governs Brookstone’s other sports and the riders do not compete against other schools, it does follow the guidelines of the Varsity program of the United States Equestrian Federation.
Seven students made up the first team in 2013. Today, there are 10 athletes. Some are very accomplished riders who have been participating in competitions, or eventing, for several years. Others are relatively new to the sport and are learning their way around the course.
According to Hinson, the riders are basically involved as individuals. Following USEF guidelines, riders must attend a minimum of three shows a year. Unlike most sports, equestrian athletes have a year-long competition season. From June 1 to May 31, riders can compete in various categories encompassing all riding disciplines.
The equestrian team members at Brookstone have found a bond like athletes in more traditional sports. Because most of the girls have been riding since childhood, they find common ground in their love of horses and riding.
“These girls are so involved with the sport, they often do not have time to participate in other school activities. The team gives them a chance to share their passion of the sport and have friends who have the same interests,” says Hinson.
The current riders at Brookstone compete in 3-day eventing, hunter/jumpers and dressage. Also unlike other sports, there are actually two athletes involved—the rider and her horse. It carries a lot of responsibility, physical labor, time and expense.
“It’s a lifestyle. These girls have their own trainers and routines which include daily riding, lessons, practicing, clinics and training sessions. It’s a lot of work and some of it is hard, dirty work. And, it goes on regardless of the weather or the time of year,” she says.
At Columbus High School, there is both a club and a team in the equestrian program under the direction of their sponsor, Mary Beth Hood. The school began its program in the fall of 2010 and currently has about 30 members in the combined organizations. Hood, who teaches Latin at CHS, is also a former UGA equestrian athlete. She continues to ride and is pleased there is an opportunity to promote the sport.
“I want to help Equestrian Student athletes earn the same recognition and support that other student athletes receive. Equestrian athletes devote so much time to their sport and it is great that the USEF has the Varsity program to help recognize their efforts and commitment,” says Hood.
Olivia Oney and Haley Culpepper are two of the CHS equestrian athletes. Oney, 17, has been riding horses for over 13 years while Culpepper, 14, has been riding for about nine. They have found the program provides a unique opportunity for them.
“I would spend all my time riding if I could and having the program here has helped me find other people who feel the same way,” says Culpepper.
Nodding, Oney agrees.
“It is kind of the reason I came here. Not many schools offer this and it has given me a chance to have a place to fit in here,” says Oney.
A junior at Columbus High School, Oney says she knows the stigma attached to equestrian sports is that it doesn’t match up with other traditional athletic teams.
“It’s kind of like what they say about cheerleading, that it isn’t really a sport. But it is. Actually, it is a combination of a lot of sports in that you have to judge distances, you need to be physically fit, have discipline and you have to work together as a team but the other member of your team is a horse,” Oney explains with a smile.
The two equestrian athletes participate in 3-day eventing which includes dressage, cross country and stadium or arena jumping.
Other sports at Columbus High fall under the authority of the Georgia High School Association but like Brookstone, the CHS Equestrian Team participates in the Varsity program of the United States Equestrian Federation. At both schools, the athletes may letter in the sport if they meet the criteria set forth by the USEF’s lettering program.
Because of her background as a collegiate athlete in equestrian sports, Hood feels one of her responsibilities as sponsor is to help the athletes understand the options available should they have a desire to continue to compete at the next level. In addition, she feels the CHS program advances other ideals.
“Through our Equestrian Program, students are able to volunteer and gain positive extra-curricular experiences that fall into their particular area of interest. It is important for our school community to provide opportunities for growth, learning and recognition of student achievement,” she says.
Columbus Valley/Special feature/Equestrian Club
Columbus High School/Brookstone School
Columbus, Georgia
By Beth Welch
Photos by Jerry Christenson
Equestrian programs showing new possibilities for high school athletics