Many students may not know Moravian College has an equestrian team, or even what an equestrian team is.

Moravian’s equestrian team rides horses and competes, if its chooses, against other colleges and universities. It is a club sanctioned sport and team recognized by USG, which is open for anyone to join. 

This sport has no balls or goals, but rather huge animals and individuals. Equestrian allows members to work on their communication skills with the other members and animals and grow connections in the community and further. 

This season the team, with six members but hope to grow in the future, will take lessons year round. They ride at Changewater Stables in Stewartsville, NJ, which is only a 20 minute drive from campus. 

The team members are not expected to bring their own horses or even have any riding history. The lessons range from beginner (walking and trotting) to competitive (jumping gates at shows). At shows, riders ride horses brought by the host school which helps demonstrate their abilities well. 

The competitions use a point based system, which individuals accumulate over four years. In order to advance out of the zone, riders must have 36 points, and can go further to regionals or even nationals at the competitions with high scores.

The equestrian team at Moravian has been around for years but for a time had dissolved. Members used to travel far distances in small groups; there was frequent turnover in membership and coaches. The executive council and a new coach, Brian Solomita, are working hard to re-establish the club/team and get more members. 

For Katy Nardi, president, the club is the only way she can ride and continue improving her skills at school. She recommends joining because, no matter the rider’s level, the club is inclusive to all and allows students to take a break from academic work. Horses weigh over 1,500 pounds and are extremely intelligent animals, thus asking members to focus and be calm while handling them, a benefit to both horse and handler. Horses are even used as therapy animals.

The club also works with the community through volunteer and fundraising events. One of Bethlehem Police’s horses, Grey, was donated and is cared for by the team.

If you are interested in joining the club/team you can reach out to President Katy Nardi or Captain Holly Ahner at [email protected] and [email protected], visit the website, or follow their Facebook page.