United States Eventing Association

The Columbus State University Event team was established in 2014 under the direction of Dean of Students, Aaron Reese, and with a base of members who continue to be a part of the team today. The team is based out of Poplar Place Farm in Hamilton, Ga. Sitting on 350 acres, Poplar Place Farm is the perfect location for training. The farm features both large and small dressage rings, competition caliber show jumping courses and a full cross-country course with obstacles ranging from pre-amoeba through the advanced level.

Werner Geven, using the many amenities of Poplar Place Farm, coaches the CSU Eventing Team providing group lessons weekly and coaching at Horse Trials. Geven has competed through the CCI4* level, and rode for the Netherlands at the 2006 World Equestrian Games. Geven teaches team members over fences, on the flat and in the barn with general horsemanship.

Coach Geven poses with the CSU Eventing Banner at a Team Challenge. Photo via CSU Eventing's Facebook Page.

Team President Maggie Baker founded the team in 2014 has held her position since the founding of the team and competes with her horse, Blue Stockings. Team members compete from Tadpole through the Intermediate level. Our team currently includes Lily Barlow and Remington Steele, Megan Walker and The Domino Effect, Jewel Patterson and Envelop, Erin Chalmers and Light the Lights, Josey Draper and Bricolage, and Aidan Reese and Casablanca. Joining the team so far in 2016 is Aryanna Bishop and her horse, Breaker Boy Jack. The team hopes to continue growing and gaining popularity in the next few years!

A weekly lesson with Coach Geven. Photo via CSU Eventing's Facebook Page.

Quickly after being founded, CSU Eventing members formed a combined team with the University of North Georgia to place fourth in their first Intercollegiate Challenge at Chattahoochee Hills in the fall of 2014. The following spring the team hosted another challenge at Poplar Place Farm, where their members, combined with Transylvania University, finished first. Last fall the team competed another Intercollegiate Challenge at Poplar Place Farm against nine other teams, ending the weekend in third place overall, just below University of South Carolina-Aiken, and Auburn University.

CSU Eventing members at the Intercollegiate Challenge at Poplar Place Farm in 2015. Photo via CSU Eventing's Facebook Page.

As the spring semester commences, the team will continue lessons, accept new members, and prepare for their tentative schedule of events. These include the Poplar Horse Trials in January, February, March and May, as well as possibly attending the Chattahoochee Hills Horse Trial on April 9-10, and the Pine Top horse trials March 18-20 of 2016. There are hopes of attending the Collegiate Championship at the Virginia Horse Trials in May.

For information about how you can become a part of this exciting new opportunity offered by Columbus State University contact Dr. Aaron J. Reese (706-507-8845) and visit our Facebook page or Twitter and Instagram accounts.

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About the USEA Intercollegiate Program

In 2014, the USEA Board of Governors approved the creation of the Intercollegiate Eventing Program as an official program of the USEA. Originally proposed with input from the Intercollegiate Eventing League, the program was established to provide a framework on which Eventing teams and individual competition could flourish at universities and colleges across the country. Click here to see if your school is an University Affiliate.

Don’t forget if you have not yet renewed your membership with the USEA – Collegiate members get a $25 discount! Log onto your Online Services Account to renew, and a $25 refund will be issued after the USEA has received proof of enrollment.