University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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aura Schneider, engineering sophomore, rides m Intermediate II stock seat at the main Western show of the (season held at the Bresa. Del R[o Michigan University., photo courtesy of The Equestrian Team equestrian Team Coach Ellie Gauvin gives riding lessons at Windy Ridge Farm in Ann Arbor. While many members of the team actually took lessons from Gauvin, others received advice from her about riding techniques. The 1995-96 season was Gauvin ' s first year as coach of the U-M Equestrian Team. ob Resutek, LSA sophomore, rides Intermediate II stock seat. Judging was based on stock seat, or how well the rider handled the horse, how the horse responded to the rider, and the rider ' s smile, posture and general appearance. Based on these criterion, the team and individuals with the highest points received awards. Resutek exhibited characteristics of the Western style of riding in his smile and presentation. Michelle Rae Organizations 151

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Horsin ' Arou nd i Story by Rakhi Shah and Stephanie Smith nly wild horses could drag these students away from their studies! The Equestrian Team was a privately- funded team which showed both English and West- ern style horseback riding. English style, also known as hunt seat equitation, was a traditional, conservative style of riding dating back to English hunts. The traditional attire also remained static over the years. Riders were not allowed to wear makeup and were supposed to look like other riders. Moreover, they were to show no emotion while riding, allowing judges to base their decisions solely on a rider ' s ability. The Western style of riding allowed for more freedom of expression, because the rider chose what he or she wore. Members of the Equestrian Team competed on an individual as well as a team level. Individual points were very important because if a rider accumulated 28 points over the course of the season, he or she could qualify for regionals, which were held in Findlay, Ohio. Mary Field, the team ' s most advanced Western rider, won the Reserve High Point, an individual award received for achieving the second highest point total at this meet. The support I get from the team is incredible. Even though you are competing against other team members they want you to win which is different from any other type of competition I have ever been in, Field explained. A rider was not allowed to use his or her own horse or tack (bridle and saddle), which tested the rider ' s ability to adapt to a new horse and environment. It proved to be very difficult for riders because saddles were custom-made for a certain rider ' s height and build, and it was hard to adjust to unfamiliar equip- ment. Abigail Siders, the team president who practiced the English style of riding, explained that it ' s like wearing some- HE U-M EQUESTRIAN TEAM: FRONT: Sara Osterman, Ann Ma (riding program coordinator), Heather McAllister, Camela Rudyba, Briana Becker, Christine Baker. BACK: Erin Jerick (secretary), Abigail Siders (president), Molly Former, Kerri Boring, Kerri Hagerty, Carrie Bettinger (vice-president). NOT PICTURED: Alison Berent, Katie Muir, Heather Gottry, Coach Ellie Gauvin, Coach Dawn Ottovaer body else ' s shoes. The Equestrian Team was made up of riders who compet in horse shows and those who simply liked to ride. The gro held weekly meetings during which they shared their problem joys, and concerns about riding and competing. Alumni fro different universities were welcomed into the group as long they had competed in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Assoc tion (IHSA) in the past. More experienced riders served mentors for novices. The environment is very supportive they help you in any way they can, said Field. Many Univers team members owned their own horses and brought them to ti shows in order to lease them to other team members. We h a very generous team, remarked Siders. In March, 1995, the U-M Equestrian Team, along Western Michigan University and Michigan State Universi hosted an all student-run horse show. Students took the respo sibility for feeding and grooming the horses as well as handli the business aspect of the show. However, students were not charge of judging the competitions. This was very different fro: non-intercollegiate shows, where professionals were hired design the course and do everything else included in running t show. All proceeds from this event went to the Cheff Centd Riding for the Handicapped program. The Equestrian Team provided a supportive environme and a common bond for people with similar interests. Throug various competitions, it provided students with the opportuni to meet others from across the country with similar interes Assistant Coach Dawn Ottevaere summed it up best when said, The horse community is a very family oriented comm nity. 150 Organizations

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Amy Adams MICHIGAN FIGURE SKATING CLUB: FRONT: Laura Graham, Aimee D ' Onofrio, Rachel Schlesinger, Melissa Cirillo. ROW 2: Dave Beuther, Mara Lawniczak, Jennifer Jahnke, Marya Bak. BACK: Kellie Howard, Anne Smith, Abby Chaffin. Chip Peterson SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING: FRONT: Sarah Gough, Zari Acevedo-Gonzalez, Erica Hornby, Linda Bacelis-Bush, Chrissy Jacobs, Anne Reader, Jackie Townsend, Dana Johnson. BACK: Dania Dunlap (assistant coach), Donna Mears (head coach), Madeline Smith (assistant coach). Dylan Adair THE SKI CLUB: FRONT: Peter Ehmann, Mira Sahney, Clay Ostrom, Chris Rumer, Jack Smith, Tom Willis. ROW 2: Brad Frank, Doraliz Hidalgo, Olga loffe, Anita Cluk, Becky Bartley, Liz Davis, Beth McQueen, Anne Mihalyfi, Lisa Torr, Cindy Cahill, Sullivan Do, Jamey Condeuaux. ROW 3: Jeffrey Cooper, Jason Luke, Elias T. Xenos, Joe Wojcielhowski, Ed Herrelko, Matt Little, Melanie Block. BACK: Sireen Reddy, Dusty Springfield, Aaron Klink, Seth Merl, Ryan O ' Connor, Don Hahn. 152 Organizations C S ' . hrisay Jacobs, L5A junior, finishes a ewm routine. Synch nized swimmers were likened to marathon runners who had the gymnast or figure skater. During the 1995-96 season, team members ac sought to achieve varsity status for the sport.