The editor would like to thank all involved for their time and effort on this edition of The Voice.

The opinions expressed in any Sweet Briar College publication or other forms of media are not necessarily those of the students, faculty, staff or administration. Therefore, Sweet Briar College is not responsible for its content.

Editorials represent the opinion(s) of the editor(s) and/or staff/guest writer(s).

This site is maintained by Anne Proctor. Please email any questions or comments concerning the web site to her.

Riding Program
By Taylor Ryan '10
STAFF WRITER

As one of the most popular sports at Sweet Briar, the riding program has always been regarded for its great program. If you talk to almost any rider, they will agree with you that it was one of their major attractions to Sweet Briar.

People always joke about being ‘non-riders’ when large groups of riders talk about horses. And many students find SBC is known more for its riding program than for its academic ones.

It has been almost three months since the start of the school year, and the freshman are adjusting and getting into the swing of things with their lessons and as they accomplish their rank requirements.

When asked what she likes the most about the program so far, freshman Heather McPheeters said, “You get the opportunity to ride lots of different horses and attend competitions. You can also participate in all sorts of teams and that helps build a strong foundation.”

Almost everyone agrees that the program is great despite the difficulty of acquiring the different riding ranks, which are necessary to help the riding program maintain so many riders of various levels. Amanda McKenzie, also a freshman, was lucky enough to bring her horse to school. She says, “The program is really great. The instructors are so professional and knowledgeable. There is definitely a lot to learn in each lesson.”

Because Sweet Briar is more focused on the hunter/jumper aspect, some freshmen have had to adjust coming from different riding backgrounds. Kelly Korotish rode dressage back at her home in Washington. “I feel coming from a dressage perspective that it is more focused on jumping, but I do feel like I am getting a better position,” she says.

The schedule of events at the riding center has been busy, with something going on nearly every weekend. The in-house shows started homecoming weekend, and were followed up by a clinic with Lendon Gray, a Sweet Briar alumni and Olympian. There have also been multiple IHSA and fun shows that have been all very successful. At the end of October, Joe Fargis, a ‘88 and ‘84 Olympian, also hosted a clinic. Sweet Briar has always been lucky to offer such great opportunities to its riders, and this year looks like it will not be any different.