New Western Riding Team On Board At Post University

WATERBURY — Post University’s Equine Department has added another competitive riding team to its roster this fall with the debut of the Western Team.

Competing under the auspices of the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association and coached by Senior Equine Major Brooke Fowler and Post Alumna Dawne Wilson, the team is preparing to compete with regional schools that include Sacred Heart and the University of Connecticut.

Post University will compete in at least four shows this fall, and will join forces with Westfield to co-host a show on February 18, 2012.

Western riding traditions originated from the needs of the American cowboy. The Western saddle is larger for more comfort during long rides, and has a horn for roping cattle. Western horses tend to be more compact than their taller English Hunt Seat counterparts.

The most distinctive element of Western riding is the attire: wide brim hats, chaps and jeans, and pointed toe-boots to easily find the stirrup are most commonly worn.

Abby Bloxsom, director of equine programs, explains that after years of not having Western teams in this region of the country, a number of other schools in the area put the conference together and Post University was eager to join their ranks.

The Post University IHSA Western Team’s first show is scheduled for November 5 at UConn.