Equestrian Studies @Averett University

IDA Team Named Reserve Champion, Places 6th in Nation

Averett’s Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) Team was named Reserve Champion for Region I. The team advanced to compete at the National Competition at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Mass., and placed sixth.

“Our entire team, not just the riders who made it to Nationals, rode extremely well this year,” said Ginger Naff Henderson, ‘91, assistant professor of equestrian studies. “The level of commitment our riders have to the IDA team has grown consistently over the last few years.”

Twelve teams from colleges and universities across the country and almost 100 riders competed in the national competition. Three Averett riders were named regional champion or regional reserve champion and “Baron” was named Horse of the Year.

This was Averett’s second consecutive trip to national competition. In 2007, the team placed fourth.

Student Becomes Youngest USDF Certified Instructor in the Nation

Senior Meaghan Byrne is the youngest person certifi ed as a United States Dressage Federation (USDF) instructor. She is certifi ed from the training level to second level. Byrne was able to attend the certifi cation workshops and take a number of the tests at Averett.

“Averett University was certainly a huge aid in my certifi cation process,” Byrne said. “I was able to gain experience from the wonderful students, horses and faculty. Averett also has a great facility that is used by the USDF for many of their educational programs.”

Byrne is pursuing a business administration degree with a concentration in fi nance and a minor in equestrian studies: dressage.

Opportunities for Practical Experience Attracts Students to Equestrian Program

Christina Schroder, ‘08
Averett was Christina Schroder’s, ‘08, fi rst choice for equestrian studies. “Other schools look more at thescience side (of horses), this was more hands-on. I’m very much one of those people who prefer the hands-on aspect.” She adds that working at the barn has taught her how to deal with people from different backgrounds in different settings. Schroder followed the dressage track because she would like to pursue a career in therapeutic riding and one day own a riding facility.

Jennifer Pietrzykowski, ‘09
Unlike some of the other schools she considered, Averett’s equestrian program was the only one that had cross-country jumps—a major plus as far as Jennifer Pietrzykowski, ‘09, was concerned. “I took advanced stable management my sophomore year where I learned how to manage a barn and feed crews,” Pietrzykowski said. “It was very helpful because it showed me what managing a barn was like. “I’m working on a business plan right now where I have to plan for the fi rst seven years after I graduate. Since I hope to have my own barn or work for a barn it’s been a good exercise.”

Shona Cooper, ‘11
For Shona Cooper, ‘11, who has been riding horses since she was fi ve years old and has a jumping background, Averett’s program offered more hands-on opportunities, and the climate was warmer than schools she looked at in Connecticut. One of Cooper’s favorite classes her fi rst year was a riding class she took with Assistant Professor Jane Faulkner because “she treats us like we’re family, not students.” Like her fellow students, Cooper dreams of having her own business one day. She’s leaning toward the instructing and training side of the industry.