Equestrianism has a rich history that dates back more than 20,000 years. Horses have helped mankind in warfare, travel, communication, hunting, transport, and, at Georgia Tech for sport! Every week, members of Georgia Tech’s equestrian club practice and compete in a variety of events from jumping to dressage.  The Campus Recreation Complex (CRC) is proud to introduce you to the April sport club of the month, the equestrian club!  For many, riding on a horse is a rare experience, but for Quinn Larimer, equestrian club president, and 4th-year industrial engineering major, it is a part of her lifestyle.  

Q: Can you tell me about the equestrian club?

A: The equestrian club was established in 1995. We currently ride at Step-N-Free Stables (~25 minutes south of campus), take lessons 3-5 times a month, and there are about 25 members in the club. Last year we sent our first rider to nationals (she had to qualify through regular season competitions, regionals, and zones) and she represented the team wonderfully. Our competitive team has also finished the regular season competitions in the top six for the last four years in total points earned throughout the year. This year we had two riders qualify for zones after qualifying for and winning their class at zones.

Q: What are some reasons for joining the Equestrian Club?

A: The equestrian club is open to every level of experience, from people who have never ridden before to people who have competed on an international level. This makes for an amazing group of diverse members who share a love for horses.

Q: What advice do you have for people interested in riding?

A: My advice for those interested in riding is to go for it! Horses are amazing animals that can teach you so much.

Q: As a member of the equestrian club, do you have a favorite memory or experience?

A: My personal favorite memories are traveling with the team to out-of-town competitions. We always have so much fun because it’s one of the only times that the whole competitive team is together for an extended amount of time.

Q: What was the greatest lesson you've learned from equestrianism that has helped you succeed in college?

A: I have competed on a national and international level for most of my life and the two biggest things that I have learned are patience and time management. 

Q: What athlete do you admire the most and why?

A:  I think that as a club, we admire Beezie Madden. She is one of the greatest U.S. show jumpers and one of the best riders in the world. When she was in college, she competed in the same IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Show Association) competitions that we do.

Q: How can students join the club?

A: Students can join simply by emailing the club (gtequestrian@gmail.com) to set up a time to meet the captain and get information about meetings so that they can learn more about the club and join.