Winston Churchill observed, describes how "there is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man." If you are looking to join an equestrian team in college, Pennsylvania schools offer many choices. The Keystone State includes both NCAA division teams as well as club teams. Interested riders of all skill levels will find equestrian teams at both public and private universities throughout the state of Pennsylvania.
Private Colleges
Located in historic Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Wilson College is a private college and is home to the Penn Hall Equestrian Center. Throughout the year, six teams, including Dressage, Drill and Western, compete with other collegiate teams. Annual tryouts are held in the fall. The University of Pennsylvania Equestrian Team is a co-ed club sport open to all students. Riding lessons are available at all levels, and members may compete in one of the ten regional shows each year as part of The Intercollegiate Horse Show Association.
Public Colleges
Equestrian teams are a strong presence at public universities in Pennsylvania. The Penn State Berks Equestrian Team welcomes members of all riding abilities. This club team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association and competes throughout the region. The Temple University Equestrian Club offers lessons in both English and Western styles. This club competes in 10 English and 10 Western competitions throughout the school year.
Eastern Pennsylvania Equestrian Teams
For a college closer to New York City, many Eastern Pennsylvania schools have equestrian teams. Drexel University, located in Philadelphia, has a club team with facilities at the Durango Farm in West Chester. The East Stroudsburg University Equestrian Team has room for anyone interested in learning about horses. This club team welcomes all students and competes with the IHSA. Members take riding lessons and work with charitable organizations throughout the year.
Western Pennsylvania Equestrian Teams
The Seton Hill University Griffins Equestrian Team is an NCAA Division II sport for women. Members compete with three other Division II schools as well as in shows and regional competitions. The Storm Harbor Equestrian Center provides a well-equipped location for members of the Slippery Rock University's English and Western teams. All SRU students are welcome to join. This team's philosophy focuses on members improving their riding skills while sharing the love of riding and having fun with fellow riders.
Related Articles
References
- Wilson College: Equestrian Clubs and Teams
- University of Pennsylvania Equestrian Team: Welcome Page
- Pennsylvania State University Berks Equestrian Team: Welcome Page
- Drexel University Recreational Athletics: Equestrian
- East Stroudsburg University Equestrian Team: Intercollegiate Horse Shows
- Seton Hill Griffins Athletics: Equestrian
- Slippery Rock University: Storm Harbor Equestrian Center
Resources
Writer Bio
Kimberlee Broaddus is a fourth grade teacher in California who has written articles for her school's monthly newsletter. She holds a master's degree in curriculum and instruction, with an emphasis on early elementary education. She currently sits on a district writing committee working on curriculum and assessments for local schools.