It Takes a Team: Advancing the Horse Industry with Collegiate Programs

OSU Equestrian Team coaches give us the inside scoop on collegiate equestrian sports. We talk recruitment and team dynamics; student and equine athletes.

Episode 14: Oklahoma State Equestrian Team coaches give us the inside scoop on collegiate equestrian sports

From recruitment to team dynamics, building a team requires insight into a student’s character and sportsmanship. We don’t forget our equine athletes who make it all possible.

Parents and high school students will want to check out this episode of Cowboy Office. Brian & Jody talk to Oklahoma State University Equestrian Team coaches Larry Sanchez & Laura Brainard. You might be surprised to learn that your riding skills aren’t the main focus of collegiate recruitment. Riding skill may catch their attention, but another characteristic may cost you a place on their team.

At the Cowboy Office Today:

Larry Sanchez

  • OSU Equestrian Team Head Coach since 1999
    • 5 National Championships
    • 8 Big 12 Conference Championships
  • Former coach at New Mexico State University
    • 2 National Championships
  • AQHA Judge
  • ABRHA Judge

Laura Brainard

  • OSU Reining & Horsemanship Coach
  • Former coach at Baylor and Georgia
  • NRHA Judge

Brian Dygert

Jody Brainard

  • Professional Horseman
  • Multiple World Champion
  • Professional Coach and Teacher for Youths & Non-Professionals
  • Official, Researcher, Monitor & Mentor for over 35 Years

National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) – recognized by the NCAA as the collegiate sport of equestrian, abides by NCAA rules, female only sport

Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) – founded in 1968, where collegiate equestrian started, currently 400 colleges with IHSA programs, multiple levels of riders from beginner to open

Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) – middle school and high school students, fastest growing high school athletic association

With OSU’s extensive win record, you might be tempted to think it’s all about winning. But the coaches know that winning at all costs today will take a toll on their team’s future. They focus on the “person over the player approach, because we believe, and we’re finding more and more that character drives the process, which ultimately drives the result.” 

This is why they look at more than a rider’s skill on horseback when recruiting. They focus on character by watching how the prospective student interacts with coaches, parents, and fellow competitors. They also take a look at how they handle winning and losing; a bad attitude or disrespectful behavior raises a red flag for this experienced team of coaches.

 

Tips for parents of potential collegiate equestrians:

  • Keep records of income and expenses related to showing for NCAA compliance
  • Understand that college sports is different, you’ll need to trust the coach even if you don’t understand the “whys”
  • College recruitment can begin June 15 leading into their junior year
  • It’s not just riding, attitude and behavior impact recruitment

Interested in becoming a coach? 

  • Student or volunteer coach for a year to see the whole picture
  • If possible, participate in the field as an athlete to better understand and see the process through their eyes
  • If coming from outside the collegiate industry, be prepared for a steep learning curve as you dive into NCAA regulations and learn how to coach a large team of equestrian athletes

Equine Athletes

Many of the horses collegiate students ride are donated to the university. It can be a win-win situation when the owner gets a tax write off and the horse gets a new career with exceptional health benefits. Some horses that are donated can’t handle the rigors of full-time showing without specialized maintenance for soundness. The quality of veterinary care that can be provided lengthens the quality and duration of a horse’s career. 

After their career as an equestrian team horse is over, they may be retired to pasture or for those industrious horses that love their humans, they may spend time at a local therapeutic riding facility during their twilight years. Either way, these horses receive the highest level of care during their time in competition and are rewarded with a retirement plan for their years of service. 

Collegiate showing faces the same challenge as the rest of the showing industry when it comes to structuring the event to optimize audience engagement. Creating an event that lends itself to holding spectators captive requires providing a shorter competition, quality commentary, and sponsors who understand the sport and are willing to invest in its growth. Universities and the horse industry as a whole need to continue to work on this area. 

Cowboy Office

Website: CowboyOffice.com

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Email: Exec@CowboyOffice.com

Resources

Oklahoma State University: okstate.edu

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