By Joe Pantorno, Assistant Sports Editor
What may be the least watched Olympic sport is making its way into the hearts of many at Hofstra. The Hofstra Equestrian team is looking to grow in popularity and prance its way to the top of its sport.
“Last year we had nine people on the team, we now have twenty-one,” said junior Molly Collins. No matter what your skill level, anyone can ride with the team. “You are evaluated by our coach [Debbie Ritt], and she says ‘this is your riding ability’ and we have a show every Sunday,” said Collins.
Each rider is put into a different class ranging from trot to jumping fences. Hofstra competes against twelve schools, which includes NYU, CW Post, St. Joseph’s, Molloy and Sacred Heart.
“You basically pick the horse you will be competing with out of a hat. There is no time to practice, you just do your thing,” Collins said. At these shows, three riders, chosen by their coaches, perform. They accrue points and that is what decides a winner of these events. Currently, the Pride is ranked fourth of the twelve schools in its division.
Not only do the teams get points but also the individual riders. The higher you place, the more points you get. A first place finish is worth seven points, second place is five points, and third place is four points all the way down to sixth place, which is one point.
“These individual points are what really sends you to regionals,” said junior Courtney Molloy. If a rider is good enough to make it to regionals and excels there, they make it to zones.
“You have to finish first, second or third to make it to zones. We compete in one of the hardest zones in the nation, so it’s very tough. You have to get first or second at zones to make it to nationals,” Collins said.
