About the Team

^ Our new team banner, funded by donations from '04-'05 team parent donations

The Colgate Equestrian Team is based at Saddleback Farm of Hamilton, New York.  The facility is located just 3.5 miles from campus!  Saddleback Farm is owned and operated by Valerie Logsdon and Anna Hackney.  It is located on over 50 acres of land across from lake Morraine and includes over 50 stalls in three barns, a large indoor arena, plenty of turnout, areas for outdoor riding, and trails.  It was purchased a couple years before our arrival by the Logsdons with future hopes of hosting the Colgate Team.  The management has made a variety of improvements to the facility to accommodate us.  Some completed projects include brand new footing in the indoor, an entirely new barn, and brand new stalls in another section of barn.  The facility also offers boarding, training, and lessons to private clients.

With our move to Saddleback Farm, the team is looking for equipment and monetary donations.  All donations are tax refundable with the acquisition of a gift receipt from the Colgate Department of Recreational Sports.  Please visit our FAQ's page and speak to the captains for further information.

Participation in our twice a week lesson plan is required for our show team members as well as team practices before every show.  Colgate offers a competitive team in a relaxed atmosphere.  The Colgate Equestrian Team is part of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, and participates in approximately eight regular season horse shows per academic year.  Our region (IHSA zone 2, region 3) is one of the most populous and competitive areas of the country.  (For regional updates: Campus Equestrian Zone 2 Region 3)  In the last few years, our team has generally been one of the top teams in the region. 

We firmly believe we do well because we have fun.  At an IHSA show there are no hassles or worries.  Your horse is provided by the host school and there is a random lottery to determine who you ride.  Warming up is not allowed, so all you do is hop on and ride!  What could be more simple?  Well, a lot of things...  Like showing a horse you actually know.  Just kidding.  Anyways, fun is important here.  At most shows, the entire team stays all day, cheering on all the members in their respective classes.

In reality, our success is probably caused more by the depth of our team.   In IHSA competition, success depends not only upon the more experienced riders, but on the team as a whole.  For this reason, the Colgate Equestrian Team, like all IHSA teams, incorporates riders of all levels and backgrounds, with the ultimate goal of having riders who excel in competition in each division from walk-trot to open fences.  .  Although we are judged on our Hunt Seat Equitation skills, many of our riders have experience in western riding, eventing, hunting, the jumpers, dressage, Pony Club, and other equine endeavors.  While we have a number of former Medal/Maclay riders among us, other team members had not shown or perhaps never even rode a horse until they joined!  We encourage students with little or no experience to join the team as they are one of our most important assets. 

We also have a fairly new Western team that enjoys lessons and shows each semester.  Finally, Saddleback also offers a lesson program to students who are not interested in the show team or the western team but would like to ride for pleasure and/or gym credit.

To see answers to frequently asked questions, check out our FAQ's page.  Any other questions about the Colgate Equestrian Team? Email Us!