Small but Mighty

The Lakehead University Equestrian Team has had great success in the 2018-2019 season with one show to go in the regular season before finals held at the Caledon Equestrian Park.

The team competes on the Ontario Collegiate Equestrian Association (OCEA) circuit of over 19 colleges and universities. It is a catch riding style circuit; a random draw is done by level and this determines the horse that each rider has for their over fences (jumping) round and under saddle (flatting) round. The most fun part about the OCEA is the fact that everyone is most likely riding a horse that they have never ridden before. The OCEA wouldn't be able to run without the incredible generosity of all the owners who donate their horses to each show. Lakehead competes in Central Zone composed of University of Toronto, University of Guelph, Georgian College, Laurentian University/Cambrian College, Ryerson University and York University. This season Lakehead has 4 riders competing, and is the smallest team on the OCEA circuit and within the Central Zone, however Lakehead still hold their own and has been 6th place overall ahead of a much larger institutions all season.

Malorie Harris, Team Captain, competes in open division and has received two 5th and two 6th place ribbons. Tori Beauchemin competes in intermediate division and has received 1st, 2nd, 3rd, three 4th, 6th, two 7th, a Reserve Champion and a Champion ribbon. Jill Widdifield competes in novice division and has received two 4th, two 7th and 8th place ribbons. Sophia Varga competes in entry division and has received a 3rd, 7th and 8th place ribbon so far this season. The team attends monthly lessons in preparation for shows under the guidance of coach and owner of Rushmount Equine Sports Ltd, Heidi Muller-McCahon. Heidi is an encouraging, well-respected coach that has been a part of the Lakehead Team for many years and we can't thank her enough for her contribution, donating horses and the use of her facility. The final show of the regular season is on March 3rd and hosted by Lakehead at Rushmount Equine Sports Ltd in Severn, Ontario and will be making history as it will be Lakehead's first ever show on the OCEA circuit.