Chapman’s equestrian team returns after a year away from the stables

After a year and a half of sports being on hold, Chapman’s Division III teams aren’t the only organizations coming back this fall. Chapman’s equestrian club is also making their post-pandemic revival with a squad almost entirely composed of new riders. TIFFANY LE, Staff Photographer

After a year and a half of sports being on hold, Chapman’s Division III teams aren’t the only organizations coming back this fall. Chapman’s equestrian club is also making their post-pandemic revival with a squad almost entirely composed of new riders. 

Chapman equestrian club’s Facebook page describes them as an experienced group of horse riders who compete regularly through the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association. However, the equestrian club still considers themselves inclusive and open to riders of all riding levels.

“We have all different skill levels in the club, which is really awesome,” said Etta Lauchland, a board member of the club and sophomore communication studies major. “We have super advanced riders, (and) we have girls who are just learning the discipline and are looking to have a good time.”

For those unfamiliar with the sport, equestrianism covers a large umbrella of the horse riding community. As an Olympic sport, it is divided into three disciplines: show jumping, dressage and the three-day event — which combines show jumping, dressage and cross-country riding. 

Chapman’s club participates in what is referred to as “English riding.” According to its definition, English riding is an equestrian discipline with many different styles; however, most versions require riders to use both hands on the reins, rather than just one, as typically seen in western riding. 

English riding, as Lauchland described it, has strict uniformity and delicacy, focusing on form and smoothness, rather than speed, style or power. 

“We are judged on ‘equitation,’ Lauchland explained. “It’s all about how you sit on your horse. Your legs are down, (your) feet are back (and) you don’t want to be hunched over — you want to look very still and composed. You are essentially scored on how effortless you can make it look.”

The way Chapman’s equestrian club competes against other universities is quite different from the way other club sports compete, because there is a big element of luck involved. Each club will show up to the venue with horses of their own, and the riders end up riding a horse based on a lottery system. 

“For example, (our coach) will bring six horses, UCSD (University of California, San Diego) will bring six, and UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) will bring six,” Lauchland said. “When the competition starts, I don’t think we’re actually allowed to ride our own horses. Occasionally it happens, but the whole premise is that you get a random number and match it to the horse you’ll be competing with that day.” 

Different from most sports, where the fate of the athletes is in their own hands, the variability of the horse you’ll be competing with is a large factor. 

“Sometimes there are some fantastic horses, but sometimes you’ll get ones with bad attitudes who aren’t easy to work with,” Lauchland said. “You really don’t know until you’re in that arena. So, it really shows your skill and composure to get through your designated course or whatever you’re doing that day.” 

While it is untraditional, many of the riders think it adds a level of fairness and excitement to the competitions. Especially because some of the schools bring more trained horses than others.

“It can be intimidating, but I like it because it levels the playing field,” said Jade Bucnanah-Moh, junior communication studies major. “It’s really easy for winning to become about who has the most money and can buy the nicest horse. Since it’s randomized, it gives everyone an equal chance.”

While the club has been on Chapman’s campus for quite some time now, with last year canceled due to COVID-19, they’re coming off of two years with no competition. After all that time away, the team is excited to get back onto their horses this fall; the season starts in about a month, and they’re eagerly preparing for it. 

“I’m really looking forward to working as a team,” Lauchland said. “While it is an individual sport, we have a lot of new girls who are passionate about competing. Last year with COVID, we felt so separated. It was hard to feel like we were a team, and just talking to the girls at this year’s tryout, everyone is really excited.”