Goodrich – It’s time for Goodrich students to get back in the saddle.
The Goodrich Equestrian Team is rounding up members for the coming season.
‘This is our big time of year for recruitment,? says Stacy Millar, Goodrich.
Equestrian Team assistant coach Amy Switzenbury, adding ‘you don’t have to be super athletic? for this sport.
Millar rode on the equestrian team while attending Goodrich High School in the 1990s, and emphasizes developing teamwork skills is a major benefit of the sport.
Most team members are ‘really good friends?, she says. ‘Some might be better riders than others, but they can give each other helpful hints.?
Equestrian team members also form a good working relationship between horse and rider.
‘If you work together well, it’ll show. You’ll come out looking smooth, sharp, flawless,? said Millar.
Although boys are welcome to join, the current six-member team includes all female students: Nancy VanVlack and her horse King, Alisha Dommer and her horses Lexus and Stryker, Kelsey Terryah and her horses Bay and Dakota, Nicole Wallance and her horse Charlie, Ashley DeLuca and her horses Classy and James, and Sam Roelandt and her horse Asha.
Coach Amy Switzenburg and Millar each have approximately 20 years of horsemanship experience, says Millar.
The difference in skill level after only one year on the team is impressive.
‘By the last show of the year, there’s pretty close to 100 percent improvement,? Millar said. ‘Working with the horse, sitting up in the seat, transitions-going from one gait to another, like a walk to a trot or canter.?
Do interested students need their own horses?
‘Preferably, but not always,? Millar said. The team can occasionally make an arrangement between local horse-owners and students. The student would purchase feed and hay, make overnight show arrangements, and pay fuel costs for trailering. Other costs are usually worked out between the student and the owner of the horse.
Tack and clothing is routinely loaned and borrowed within the group, Millar said.
The Goodrich Equestrian Team is recognized, but not sponsored by Goodrich High School. Private donations have helped offset costs in the past and are still welcome, but this year the team is taking a different tack.