By Jonathan Suarez | Guest Writer
Lynchburg Equestrian Sign
The University of Lynchburg equestrian team is celebrating another ODAC (Old Dominion Athletic Conference) win, marking a significant achievement for the program.
According to Head Coach Phillip Williamson, a key factor in their traditional format success is the, “Versatility of their riders, who compete in various events, unlike some collegiate formats where riders specialize.”
The team’s ability to bring their horses for the traditional ODAC format is also crucial, allowing riders to prepare with familiar mounts.
Senior Fallyn Belcastro
Copper the Horse
Senior Emmy Dolin
Conference Champion Board
“For us getting ready for the traditional format, it’s really about making sure that we’ve got a good group of horses that the kids can kind of rely on and trust,” Coach Williamson noted.
The program has grown significantly in recent years, particularly with acquiring its own facility.
“My very first season here, our program looked completely different than it does now,” the coach explained, highlighting the limited roster and horses compared to now.
“The improved quality of horses through donations has also been a game-changer…I think we can’t do anything without the horses,” the coach emphasized, stressing their vital role as athletes who require similar care to the riders.
Looking ahead to the postseason, which includes head-to-head ODACs and IHSA zones, the focus is on maintaining rider confidence.
“Really a lot of it, I think, for us at this time of the season is just focusing on the riders’ confidence,” the coach stated.
One of the junior NCEA riders, Mackenna Moss, highlighted the importance of teamwork and mental health during this crucial period.
“Checking in on my teammates and making sure that their mental health is good… Teamwork, I think, is important in general throughout the year, but especially when it comes to supporting everyone, especially at championships and ODACs,” Moss said.
Head Coach Phillip Williamson
Junior Abby Zemp
Sophomore Ella Neyland
Reflecting on the season, Moss recalled a memorable meet at Sweet Briar College where the team showed strong connection and spirit.
As the season progresses, the coach is also looking towards building future success, despite the upcoming graduation of experienced riders.
“We’ve gotten more and more able to kind of feel like we have a system in place, feel like we have a structure in place that supports the facility, the team, the horses, all of those things,” the coach mentioned, expressing optimism about the underclassmen and incoming students.
Sophomore Rebecca Collier
Junior Mackenna Moss
To learn more about the University of Lynchburg Equestrian Team visit: https://lynchburgsports.com/sports/equestrian
