The leagues that we compete in are all based on the IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Show Association) format in which teams ride at the various barn in the league and compete on the flat and over fences on a horse drawn at random.  The riders have just a few moments to warm up before they are entered into a formal equitation class.  The goal then is not only to have correct equitation for show but also to be able to use it correctly to forge a very quick working relationship with any horse.  The riders are awarded for their efforts and their points go for individual totals but more importantly towards their team total.  Each team can have up to nine members.  This type of competition is an excellent way to have a team bond and atmosphere is what is usually a very individual sport.  The riders all become close friends and are wonderful about supporting their teammates.  Also team is a remarkable experience because over the winter months you are exposed to so many horses and also get to travel (usually within just over an hour) to several area barns. 

Two of our teams are part of the NCEL (National Capital Equitation League).   We have both an A and B team.  For these teams you ride in one walk/trot/canter class, two over fences classes, and possibly the finale class in which you must flat with and without stirrups, jump two fences, and answer a horsemanship question.  For A team the jumps are set at 2’6” and for B team they are 2’. 

We also have team in the NCSSEL (National Capital Short Stirrup Equestrian League).   This is a great stepping-stone to the NCEL.  The riders can do just walk/ trot classes and do not have to canter and/or jump at each meet, but don’t let that fool you, there is a lot of tough competition at this level as well.  The jumps are 18” for this league and you are never asked to ride without stirrups.  We have had this team now for 3 years and have loved watching them grow. 

And last but not least we have an Adult riding team in the NCAEL (National Capital Adult Equestrian League).  To be on the other three teams you must be 19 or under.  To be on the adult team you must be 30 or over (you do not have to say how over if you don’t wish to).  The adult format is the same as the short stirrup teams but the jumps are a bit higher at 2’ and you may be asked to ride without stirrups.  There are league rules to keep this more of a amateur league such as you can not pull in an income from being a coach or trainer and you may only have shown up to 2’9” at any shows in the past 5 years.  Most riders in the league either started riding as adults or picked it up again after a long break.  So even if you may not think you could do this you might just be able to.  Many of our adults have been on the team for almost 10 years and they just love it.  They all say that team practice is what they look forward to all week.  The entire team has become very close over the past few years and they all consider each other great friends.  But not to fear, they love welcome new members into the group.   

2009 Year End Banquet Comments -

To our A team: Anna, Laura, Colby, Kiera, Hannah, Julian, Fawn and Rachel and to our B team: Alexis, Kelly, Jerrell, Taylor, Corrin, Sarah B., Nathan, Sarah W., and Cleo…

Dear Willowbend Kids –

I just want to tell you all how impressed I have been with each and every one of you over the past years.  Remember I really have known many of you since you were little walk trotters.  I once spent my time trotting slowly for you, and then it was catching you over fences for some of your first courses.   Now it makes me smile to see you riding the challenging guys and mares (Cloud, Lucy, Tess, Summer) and to see what great horse-people you have become.  I always hear Laura and Emily on Mondays talking about how well you rode at the away meets, how you rode a horse you were nervous about, or took a challenging one around the course, or picked up the left lead on a horse that rarely gets it, or picked up a counter canter.  And I love to hear that many of you even if you didn’t place would say “I don’t care, that was fun!”  I also hope that I gave you some points this year at our home meets and at finale, and thank you for the extra carrots. 

To the team parents, being a horse I don’t eat at the food booth but I hear it’s fabulous (except that Sweet Feed isn’t an item).  I saw you wishing your children good luck, watching nervously, and being there after the ride for a high five or a hug.  Having great parents make life easier. 

I know some of you are graduating this year and congratulations.  Just remember whatever you do in life: throw your heart over and keep your heels down!

Love,

Eddie