The Cal Poly Equestrian Team (CPET) hosted two regional Western horse shows on Jan. 25-26, earning second place on the first day and first place on the second day. Thirteen CPET riders competed, showcasing their skills and being judged on their riding position and control over their horse’s gait as part of the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA).
The horse draw, a random process where riders are assigned different horses for the competition, was a pivotal moment in the competition. Cal Poly had an advantage in supplying horses for the show, with 20 out of 30 horses coming from the school. Riders like Baeya Kardokus, who won Level II Horsemanship, appreciated the element of unpredictability in drawing a random horse.
Team captain Jaimie Knode, who has been riding since she was 8 years old, played a crucial role in the team’s success by ensuring her teammates were prepared for their events. The competitive aspect of the horse shows is complemented by a sense of community, with riders like Madison Martinich forming friendships with riders from other schools. Martinich, who is now the horse manager for CPET, reflected on her growth and responsibilities within the team.
