Trials and Successes of our Riders

Over the summer, the equestrian team saw some major changes in their program. One major change came when Karine Gordy, the previous Director of the Equestrian program, stepped down from her position this previous June. Gordy had acted as the Director of Equestrian and head coach of the team for 10 years before announcing her departure from the university. She stepped down from her position in order to open her own equine therapy facility, and, while her presence will be missed on the domain, we wish her nothing but the best in her next steps. Sewanee was able to bring in Alice Coke to be the new director of the equestrian program. Additionally, Aelin Hill, who had spent the previous 3 years as assistant coach, was promoted to head coach for the equestrian team. Hill has also not only been a coach for our equestrian program, but was also a rider for the equestrian program during her time here as a student. Under the guidance of both Coke and Hill, the team looks towards the future with a goal of growing the program and strengthening what Gordy had managed to build in her 10 years as director. In an interview, Coke said "I look forward to helping Coach Hill develop the program and working with the staff to bring top care for the horses and the facility."

While changes in leadership can sometimes affect a team environment, the equestrian team has taken this shift in stride. They have already attended their first competition right here at home during the Sewanee Fall IHSA Show. This two day competition showed continuous domination from our Sewanee riders. After the first day of competition, Sewanee was at the top of the leaderboard in first place with 36 points and second place with 24 points. Sophomore Emma Sameth was also able to earn Reserve High Point Rider honors for the day. The team continued their impressive showings throughout the second day, eventually leading to their win of the IHSA Show. Sameth continued her dominant showing and earned Reserve High Point Rider for the meet while two freshmen, Elise Gierhart and Isabella Janovsky, also earned High Point Rider honors. After this showing, Sewanee is now first in the region and has a lead of 22 points over Maryville. With their already dominant performance and fresh leadership, the season is shaping to be a very exciting and successful one. The next time we will see the team in action will be on October 26 and 27 in Maryville, Tennessee. Make sure to tune into watch these Tigers as they continue their successful season!