The equestrian team at Southern Nazarene University is not just about its talented riders and its amazing coach, it is also about the horses who make it all possible. Each horse has a unique personality, background, and role within the team, creating opportunities for both learning and bonding. To understand the dynamics the team has with their horses better, I spoke to the head coach, Debbie Letham, and several team members. Together, they painted a beautiful picture of who these horses are not just as athletes but cherished companions to the team. While there are several horses on the team, I was lucky to be able to cover four of the team’s equine partners: Louie, Koa, Claire, and Jaxson.
Louie, affectionately referred to as the “kind old man” of the team, is best known for his easy-going nature. As Coach Letham jokes, “If someone can not ride Louie, they might want to get a bike.” Louie has a calm demeanor and a willingness to take care of his riders, which makes him the perfect partner for novice equestrians.
“He’s always ready for a snack,” one member of the team, Bethany Crouch, remarked. “Feed my man!” Like many of the horses at the barn, Louie enjoys the treats he gets: watermelon in the summer, apples and carrots, and even popsicles. He is also a very versatile horse, able to be ridden in both Western and English styles, and he has been ridden by nearly every member of the team.
Koa, the team’s newest horse, is as big as his personality. Standing tall and exuding confidence, Koa has brought playful energy to the barn. Koa was originally owned by an elderly man who could no longer ride him due to a back injury. Before joining the team, he lived in a pasture with smaller horses, whom he often picked on due to his size.
When Koa first arrived, one rider, Reagan Stevenson, recalls being intimidated by his imposing stature and restless pacing around the round pen. “I was the first to ride him,” she said. “But once I warmed him up, he was perfect.” While Koa can sometimes challenge his riders, it’s in the best way. He encourages them to step out of their comfort zones, making him an invaluable teacher for both experienced and newer equestrians.
Claire is the personification of a professional, with her ability to adapt to her rider’s skill level. As team member Reagan Hall states, “She can read how much you know and can play to it.” Originally from Germany, this Oldenburg warmblood was a jumper before joining the team, and those skills became clear early on when she escaped her original pasture by leaping over the fence into the larger field.
Hall recalled her humorous first impression of Claire. “For the first two years I was here, I thought she was pregnant. She was so fat,” she admitted with a laugh. Claire, however, is far from lazy. She thrives on working with riders who push her to excel, especially experienced ones, who demonstrate her love for her job and her remarkable intelligence.
Jaxson brings the energy of the youngest child to the team. Always up to something, he seems to love teasing his pasture mates and keeping everyone on their toes. One team member, Josh Nelson, shares, “I remember watching him mess with his brother Larry through the fence.” Some of the other horses had been in smaller feeding pens, and Jaxson was in the pasture, nipping and teasing them.
Despite his playful antics, Jaxson is exceptionally well-trained too. His combination of skill and personality makes him great for riders needing a challenge and a good time. His antics keep the barn lively, but he has dedication to his team.
The horses on the equestrian team aren’t just fellow athletes; they’re family. For new riders, the equestrian team offers both challenges and rewards. “Be patient with yourself more than the horse,” Nelson advised. “There’s a lot to remember.” The university offers a single-semester course to teach newcomers the basics, preparing them to join the team the following season. Even experienced riders find themselves adapting to new lessons. “You might be on a different horse every day,” Hall explained.
Together, the equestrian team at SNU has fostered a beautiful community where horses and riders grow together. Both horse and rider play a vital role in shaping the team’s success–both in competition and in life.
Featured Photo By: SNU Creative