Always wanted to ride a horse and never found the time or right stable? Ever thought of joining an equestrian team? Recently, Diana Maglio, owner of Horses and Hounds Stables, and Jennifer Connor, trainer, started the Hudson Valley Equestrian Team here in Gardiner, New York.
The team competes under the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA). The mission of the IEA is to introduce students in private and public middle and secondary schools (primarily age 11 through 19) to equestrian sports, to provide information concerning the creation and development of school-associated equestrian programs, to develop understanding and appreciation of equestrian sports through organized student competitions, and to provide additional equine educational opportunities. Also, currently there are a few opportunities for these students to earn scholarship money. Through the IEA, students may have the opportunity to earn scholarships towards their college education. Riders do not need a horse to participate.
Our team competed on February 13th at Country Farms Stables in Medford, Long Island. Parents and teammates had great fun! This newly formed Hudson Valley Equestrian Team performed in many divisions on horses randomly chosen and did very well, some placing second and third in their divisions. Not bad for a first showing!
Our team is composed of girls ages 11 to 17. The rules and regulations are similar to college equestrian teams. The Hudson Valley Equestrian Team is open to all middle school and high school students in the area: boys and girls. Training and meetings are at Horses and Hounds Stables, Inc. 1470 Albany Post Road Gardiner, New York, 12525 (845 895-9376), www.horsesandhoundsstable.com.
So if you wanna ride, come join us! Great fun for all!