After a busy summer of showing, riding and other adventures, the Equestrian Team's athletes return to the Red Barn for Pre-Season practices on September 24th. Pre-Season is a chance for the Cardinal's equestrians to spend a week in the saddle and in the barn readying themselves and the horses for a busy season. In addition to daily practice for Hunt Seat, Western and Dressage riders, athletes will also participate in clinics both within their discipline, as well as in special sessions on Driving and Vaulting.
TRY-OUTS
It looks to be an exciting year with many talented Freshmen equestrians arriving at The Farm. Try-outs for the Equestrian Team will be held the weekend of October 2nd, but we encourage interested riders to inquire about joining one of the Team's Pre-Season work-outs. For qualified equestrians, it's a great way to meet some of the Team's horses and riders, as well as the coaching staff. Prospective riders should contact Justine or Rachel (justinet @ stanford.edu or rkolb @ stanford.edu). HORSES
In addition, several long-time equine members of the team went off to amazing retirement homes this summer and the coaches have been busy looking for the perfect horses to fill their shoes. The handsome 3'6" equitation horse, Kandinsky ("Ronny"), joined the barn in May, a gift from the Lobel Family. In June, Raquelle de la Rocha donated the leading Zone 10 Green Hunter, 2nd year, Kamari, to Stanford and he quickly took Champion at his first show of the summer. With one more stall to fill, any donation considerations can be emailed to Head Coach, Vanessa Bartsch (vbartsch @ stanford.edu). RED BARN FESTIVAL
Stanford's annual Red Barn Festival, an invitational horse show, wine tasting and silent auction, will be Sunday, October 9th. The event is a major fundraiser for the Equestrian Programs and is always a great event. To enquirer about attending as a guest, competitor or sponsor, please email Stanford equestrian team alum and event chair, KC Simon (kcnsimon @ gmail.com). Last year's event wasn't to be missed and this year should be better than ever!
