About Us
UMBC Equestrian began in Spring 2003 when academic advisor Jill Randles connected Heidi Brueckner and Patty Blanchard to work on forming the club. Advertisements were sent out on email lists and flyers were posted around the school. The two met and finished off the Constitution and asked for applications for officers. Being recognized at the end of the year was difficult, but after attending the Student Organization Orientation Training in Fall 2004 and setting up a table at Involvement Fest, the club has expanded and continues to attract more students as the student body becomes aware of our activities. In the Fall of 2008, club members Emily Plitt and Mara Laslo were able to bring the team together to compete in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).
Members
Everyone is welcome, regardless of riding experience, and there is no set membership fee. The Equestrian Club holds many events during the year, including guest speakers, off campus trips, informative presentations, rides, and movie nights. We also hold fundraisers such as bakesales. We are always open to new suggestions, so if there is something you would like to do, let us know!
Lessons
The club rides out of Patapsco Horse Center. Anyone is free to join a lesson group, so please let us know if you are interested. We will need to put you in an appropriate group. Students taking lessons will be charged a per-lesson fee, and we are working out arrangements to provide discounts and/or working opportunities. Students will also be required to wear an approved helmet and boots with a small heel. Many of the students can lend this equipment, and the stable will provide the tack for the horses.
Volunteering
Members are encouraged to volunteer for local organizations including Days End Horse Rescue and Maryland Theraputic Riding.