United States Eventing Association

University of Findlay Eventing Flourishes in Area VIII

The University of Findlay offers extensive opportunities for equine enthusiasts including their Intercollegiate Eventing Team. Founded in 2013, the team has seen huge growth as they continue to train and compete in Area VII. The Eventing Team, along with the other English riding programs, utilizes the state of the art James L. Child Equestrian Complex which features over 100 stalls, three indoor arenas and a fully staffed vet clinic.

Eventers train under Sue King who has worked tirelessly to get the Eventing program off the ground. “Sue King has been extremely helpful and supportive of all of us,” said Freshman Miranda Losey, “She asks how each one of us wants to develop as a rider, what knowledge we want to gain about Eventing and horses and what events we are interested in attending, and she makes it happen. With her connections and knowledge, we are able to grow not only as riders, but spectators, horse people, and most importantly grow as a team.”

Photo Courtesy of Findlay Eventing.

University of Findlay is fertile ground for students interested in pursuing a life with horses professionally. A top equestrian college offering a multitude of discipline specific riding teams, Findlay also boasts a coveted Equestrian Studies Program. This program gives students hands-on and classroom instruction on pursuing a career in the horse industry. Students have the ability to also add an Eventing Emphasis to their studies. “The Equestrian studies allows us to develop as riders and learn about the horse industry while we still go to school,” Losey reports.

The Equestrian Studies Program flourishes thanks to a popular donation program, where horse owners send horses to be trained by students. Horses are matched to a discipline based on their unique talents, and students are assigned to horses based on their own interests and experience with horses. “For the program each student is assigned a horse for a semester. This allows us students to ride and learn on all different types of horses,” Losey explained. “Many Eventing horses here at The University of Findlay have been donated to the growing equine program. The Eventing students are very fortunate and grateful for these donors. It’s a great opportunity and partnership.”

Many members of the Eventing Team are also part of the Equestrian Studies Program which immerses them horses each day. “The program allows us to practice with our instructor Sue Kings on a regular basis. We have a lesson everyday Monday through Friday,” Losey explained. “On the weekends we have practice on Sunday. This gives riders on the team who are not in the [Equestrian Studies] Program a change to ride and improve.”

Sue often thinks outside the box to teach her students. Photo via Findlay's Equestrian Studies Facebook Page.

Besides daily lessons, the team frequently gets together to cross-country school and compete at local shows. Losey recalls, “Last year we participated at two recognized shows. One was Stonegate Farm Horse Trials and the other was Hagyard Midsouth Team Challenge and Three day at the Kentucky Horse Park.” Findlay Eventing saw many top finishes at both. At Stonegate, team member Katie Wilkins Finished fifth in the Novice Division, Hannah Farelli finished seventh in the Beginner Novice Division and Eloise Hill finished in first place in the Starter Division. Losey herself finished fourth out of 22 starters in a Novice division at the Hagyard Midsouth Team Challenge riding her own horse, Rapid Tempo.

Photo Courtesy of Findlay Eventing.

Last year the team raised funds with a schooling show which gave them even another perspective of the horse industry. “The team hosted our first event here on the property of the James L. Child Jr. Equestrian Complex. We offered dressage, show jumping, and cross country. The number of participants was plentiful and our event was a success. The Eventing team got to see first-hand what it takes to run a small local show. Keep a look out for future Findlay events,” Losey explained.

The Findlay Eventing Team has already had an exciting start to the semester with many more events to look forward to. They kicked off the spring semester with a clinic with Sharon White in January. “We are currently planning on attending the Intercollegiate Team Challenge, and Winona Horse trials at Stone Gate Farms. Another event we will be attending is Spring Bay Horse Trials held at The Kentucky Horse Park. We also plan on doing some local dressage shows to help us get ready for our competitive season,” Losey illustrated.

Findlay Eventing after a clinic with Sharon White. Photo Courtesy of Findlay Eventing.

Losey concluded with this special note:

“A special shout out to our trainer Sue King, riding instructor and Director of the English Riding Program, Nicole Thungen, as well as the Director of Equestrian Studies and Equine Management, Jill Paxton. All the opportunities the equestrian students have at The University of Findlay could not be offered without your hard work, dedication, and connections. Thank you for all that you do for our beautiful facility and the equine students.

Keep a lookout Eventing world for The University of Findlay Eventing students as they continue to take on the competition one stride at a time. If you have any questions and want to become a Findlay Oiler one day check out Findlay.edu or contact Sue King at [email protected] and check out our Eventing camp that is hosted at the university this coming summer. It’s going on its third year and everyone who has attended has either returned or wish they could. I am so honored and privileged to be a part of this wonderful university and be able to increase my equine knowledge and abilities while I earn a degree. Hope to see you on campus!”

Click here to visit the Findlay Eventing Team’s Website.

Click here for the UF English Equestrian Studies Facebook Page.