The Stetson University Equestrian Club has won several top achievement awards at recent competitions. Club President Carly Batts, junior, and trainer Vicki Prettyman attended the club’s first show late January at the Williston Horseman’s Association in Williston, Fla. The competition included more than 10 other schools including University of Florida, University of Central Florida and Florida State University. Stetson’s team members individually placed higher than they have in the past, and for the first time, the team earned enough points to be named a Reserve Champion team. Batts won first place in Intermediate Horsemanship and Ruel Mannette, sophomore, earned second place in Beginner Horsemanship.

“In addition to having competed a lot,” Batts said in summarizing the activities of the Club, “there’s much more to report.” Stetson’s Equestrian Club has recently raised more than $1,000 through a raffle and other means for Hope Reins, the charity organization of their choice. Located in New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Hope Reins is a therapeutic riding center that helps people with, as stated in their literature, “conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, neuromuscular disorders, post-traumatic brain injury, autism, ADHD and cognitive disorders, via horse-related activities such as grooming and riding.”

They also found time for fun when they hosted an ice cream social at the Rodeo Whip.

“We are planning a group beach ride on Amelia Island in April,” Batts said about their future plans. “Lastly, be on the lookout for our ‘Spring Fling’ Speed Dating event. Partnering with Phi Sigma Kappa in March, this event will also support both of our philanthropies.”

Batts went on to say that the highest prize that members of the Equestrian Club received was the number of compliments and accolades that they received from the officials of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA), as well as from the other teams. “Everyone seemed very impressed with the organization and teamwork that our group demonstrated throughout the event,” said Batts.

Batts is pictured in the center of the photo above. She had won both her classes that day. “As club tradition dictates, the group has to do the ‘chair-lift’ at the end of the day for anyone who has won their class,” she said. “I’m surrounded in the photo by Coach Prettyman and club members.”

Sophomore Clare Sullivan, western team captain, won second place in Novice Horsemanship, and Delaney Shadgett won second in Advanced Horsemanship.

by David Baker