United States Eventing Association

Ann Arbor, MI, home of the University of Michigan, is often thought of as the quintessential “college town,” boasting the largest football stadium in the United States, strikingly beautiful academic buildings almost two centuries old, and a vibrant, student-oriented culture.

To eventers in Michigan, though, Ann Arbor is also eventing country: within 20 minutes of campus are two USEA venues with courses through the Preliminary level, a handful of boarding facilities, and half a dozen shows sanctioned by The Eventing Association of Michigan.

Rhona Thomson and Honey Bear.

Eventing at the University of Michigan (EUM) was formed in August of 2016 to provide a unique opportunity for students interested in eventing to continue as students of the sport, learning to become not only better competitors but better volunteers, horsemen, and promoters of eventing. With a focus on grassroots, EUM places a large emphasis on volunteering at local shows and expects each member to volunteer in some capacity at an event during the school year. For members who may not have experience in eventing, volunteering is also an important part of their riding education and allows them to take an active, meaningful role in the eventing community.

Samantha Fox, Team Vice President, with her horse Gemstone.

EUM’s members come from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds, with some members competing in eventing previously and others with pure dressage or jumping experience. Through the club, all will enjoy access to mounted and unmounted clinics, lesson opportunities from high-quality event trainers, group outings to volunteer in cross country course maintenance, and competitions, where members can compete, groom, or volunteer. Some members also plan to stable as a group during the summer when show schedules overlap, bringing a team experience to individual competition. The goal of EUM is to build on this foundation and eventually field teams for USEA Intercollegiate Team Challenges and the Intercollegiate Championships.

Hailee Nielsen riding her own Eight AM Java at The Eventing Association of Michigan Benefit Show.

No matter where the future takes the team, however, EUM strives to provide an opportunity for students to stay involved in the sport they love during a time in life when so many feel they have to leave it behind them. Today’s riders, grooms, and volunteers are tomorrow’s trainers, course designers, and event organizers—and students at the University of Michigan are not known as the “leaders and best” without reason.

Lily Kovach competing on Bacardi Silver at her home in Area II.

To keep in touch with Eventing at the University of Michigan, check us out on FaceBook and Instagram.

All photos courtesy of EUM.