About Us:
For many members of W&M Equestrian, participating in the program has been an essential part of their college experience. It has provided an outlet to meet people with common interests as well as a way to escape the everyday pressures of the academic rigor at The College. Members of W&M Equestrian strive to maintain the values and standards of The College of William and Mary, both in academics and riding. The team has a strong commitment to the school and aims to perform honorably, respectfully, and passionately in both equestrian competition and in life.
William & Mary Equestrian operates out of Willow Pond Farm in Toano, VA. Every week students enjoy small group lessons coached by Karen Greenwood, a class of ‘95 alumna. Members are typically grouped based on riding ability, as students come from all aspects of equestrian sport. Riders range from extensive show experience in hunter/jumpers and eventing to beginners in their first semester of riding. To build a sense of unity, all members also bond with those outside of their lesson groups through social activities such as dinners and equestrian event viewing parties.
A subset of the W&M Equestrian Program is the competitive team, which competes against other colleges through the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). Each of the current 20 members were selected for the team during try-outs held each fall. IHSA focuses on Hunt Seat Equitation at all levels. The classes at the shows are divided into eight different divisions, from “Walk/Trot” to “Open over Fences.” At IHSA shows, the host college provides the horses to be used in competition that day. The mount for each rider is determined randomly at the start of each show. This allows for an even playing field among those competing.
Although W&M Equestrian competes against schools with NCAA programs, the team still manages to be competitive in our region with only sport club status. In the 2023-2024 school year, our team placed 4th in IHSA Zone 4, Region 4. This region encompasses schools from Eastern Virginia. The team also has riders regularly qualify to compete in Regionals, Zones, and Nationals. Last year, W&M qualified five riders for Regionals in Zone 4, Region 4 and one rider for Zone 4 Finals.
William & Mary Equestrian operates out of Willow Pond Farm in Toano, VA. Every week students enjoy small group lessons coached by Karen Greenwood, a class of ‘95 alumna. Members are typically grouped based on riding ability, as students come from all aspects of equestrian sport. Riders range from extensive show experience in hunter/jumpers and eventing to beginners in their first semester of riding. To build a sense of unity, all members also bond with those outside of their lesson groups through social activities such as dinners and equestrian event viewing parties.
A subset of the W&M Equestrian Program is the competitive team, which competes against other colleges through the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). Each of the current 20 members were selected for the team during try-outs held each fall. IHSA focuses on Hunt Seat Equitation at all levels. The classes at the shows are divided into eight different divisions, from “Walk/Trot” to “Open over Fences.” At IHSA shows, the host college provides the horses to be used in competition that day. The mount for each rider is determined randomly at the start of each show. This allows for an even playing field among those competing.
Although W&M Equestrian competes against schools with NCAA programs, the team still manages to be competitive in our region with only sport club status. In the 2023-2024 school year, our team placed 4th in IHSA Zone 4, Region 4. This region encompasses schools from Eastern Virginia. The team also has riders regularly qualify to compete in Regionals, Zones, and Nationals. Last year, W&M qualified five riders for Regionals in Zone 4, Region 4 and one rider for Zone 4 Finals.