A couple of weekends ago, the SNU equestrian team traveled to Lubbock to compete in the Texas Tech Western Horse Show. While the competition itself was important, what stood out most to several riders was the way the trip allowed them to bond with one another and continue to encourage each other.
Alec Danley, a sophomore commercial music production major in his second semester on the team, competed in beginner horsemanship and on the rail. Though he grew up riding “a little bit,” he did not always have regular access to horses and learned more intentionally from a friend. Joining the team, he admitted, was intimidating at first.
He shared one of his biggest concerns: “I was worried about the skill gap making me not feel included on the team, but everyone was really welcoming and friendly. They made it a point to encourage new riders like me no matter their skill level.” This is something that sets the SNU equestrian team apart; it is not all about competition, but support and a positive team environment.
Danley placed third in beginner horsemanship, which made the show particularly sweet since it was his highest placement yet.
Even still, showing comes with nerves. He described the experience as “nerve-wracking.” He explained that he is good at postponing his nerves until right before competing, “but as soon as I step out, all the nerves come”—a feeling many people on the team relate to.
Since the team brought a smaller group to this show, Danley enjoyed the slower pace of the weekend. It felt “less rushed,” and while he missed having the entire team there, he valued the closeness of the smaller group. Riders were able to help one another more intentionally and celebrate each other’s successes. Outside of the arena, highlights included placing well, spending time around the horses, and, of course, stopping at Buc-ee’s twice.
Cosette Barnett, a sophomore international business major in her second year on the team, also competed in beginner horsemanship, showing three times over two days.
She placed second and sixth, only the second time she has placed in competition. Barnett noted that her favorite moment from the show was placing second since it was her highest placement yet. She noted it “came as a huge surprise.” She also noted that she enjoyed beating Danley (her boyfriend) by one place since they were in the same event. Danley was also very proud of Barnett for her accomplishments at the show.
Like Danley, Barnett struggles with pre-show nerves. “Yeah, I definitely felt more nervous right before showing than I did when watching,” she said. Despite the nerves, she described the weekend as “really exciting because there was a really small and personal group, and more time to help each other.”
The Texas Tech Western Horse Show tested riders with the usual unpredictability that comes with showing. But more than placements or patterns, the weekend served as a reminder of what makes the team special.
In a sport that can feel individual inside the arena, the SNU equestrian team continues to prove that their greatest strength is found outside of it—in encouragement, shared nerves, and celebrating each other’s accomplishments.
Photo credit: Cosette Barnett