Columbia Equestrian Club Rides With Esteemed Pedigree

The numerous opportunities embedded within New York’s vast metropolitan region merit the prestigious title given to those lucky enough to call themselves New Yorkers.

It derives its reputation from entertainment ranging from late night comedy shows, exotic dining excursions, and even equestrian club competitions. Columbia’s equestrian club is located just 20 minutes away from the Bergen Equestrian Center, located in Leonia, N.J.

Co-captain Kylie Tekulsky, BC ’10, provided a brief history of the equestrian club. “The Equestrian Club has been part of Columbia in various capacities for approximately 50 years. Currently the club has about 25 new members and seven recreational riders. In its current form, we have had some great successes in the last couple years. In 2006 we won the regional championship and almost went to the national finals as a team.”

As far as competition goes, Tekulsky explained: “Every year we have riders qualify for the regional finals horse show in almost every level. This year we had seven riders qualify for regionals. Three of those riders are going on to Zones.”

Participation in such an intriguing sport requires a great amount of commitment.

“I got involved with the team because I have been riding horses since I was seven years old and couldn’t imagine my life without them. The team is open to riders of all levels, from people who have never ridden before to those that have years of experience,” Tekulsky said.

Additionally, Tekulsky explained the basis of judging in equestrian competitions.

“Practices consist of group lessons of four to five people with Penny Kinnally, the riding director at Bergen,” she said. “At competitions, the horses are provided for by the team that is hosting the show, and riders are assigned horses at random, so you have to compete on horses that you have never ridden before.”

This change in horses not only raises the competition level but also ensures that all riders have a fair shot at the competition.

“Riders have to be very versatile and be able to adjust to different types of horses quickly. We have a great club overall,” Tekulsky said. “I am one of the co-captains, and I compete in the highest level at horse shows.”

Other team members include Laura McGarry, CC ’10, a fellow co-captain who began in one of the lower levels of competition but has progressed rapidly. Diana Patterson, CC ’08, is a former co-captain of the club. Patterson has had four very successful years with the club and hopes to compete in the alumni division next year.

Overall it is clear that devotion, skill, and a keen sense of the horse are more than necessary when it comes to competing with Columbia’s club team. A rather quiet organization, the success of the team along with its clear dedication is really what makes it a special club.