Horses Held

The Unnoticed Equestrian Team of WAHS

        The equestrian team at WAHS has remained underground ever since its assimilation over seven years ago, and have over constant change throughout its history. It is stuck at the bottom of the barrel as more popularized sports at WAHS take over. The team only consists of about eight riders, which led to them combining with South Albany’s equestrian team. 

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Photo of Brittany Eudy Photo by: Austin Rudel

       The equestrian team is currently being led by lifelong fitness teacher Brittany Eudy. As a child, she grew up riding horses. She describes the characteristics needed for the sport, explaining that players must be “Fearless, and have guts. You have to be willing to go forward very quickly. Responsibility, as team members are usually very responsible individuals. They have to take care of large animals by feeding, watering and training them. A teammate. All trying to reach a common goal.¨

      However the biggest change this team of aspiring horse girls had to gallop across was when their leader. Jennifer Bornheimer, health teacher at WAHS,  passed the torch to Eudy over four years ago. Bornheimer previously led the club for over 7 years, and she has had many positive experiences with them. When asked to describe the team, she said  ¨They are a community, selfless. These people love animals like I’ve never seen before.” She values the memories she made while not only leading, but coinciding with the team and equestrians themselves.

      “Every Friday we would eat lunch in my classroom as a team. We would do a Campus Clean up session as a fundraiser. I learned so much about horse culture, kind of like the rodeo side and in a more sort of formal way,” said Bornheimer. However, while the Equestrian Club is an uncommon sport, people experience injuries similar to other sports. To combat this, the team takes proper safety procedures: every team member sports a helmet and learns correct skill and training.

        However do not let any of this discourage or scare you away from this fascinating sport. According to the Oregon High school Equestrian Highschool website (OHSET) events members can participate in include: 

By: Austin Rudel

        Steer daubing has been one of Bornheimer’s favorite activities. She recalls players having to take a tennis ball tethered on a stick, dipped in pancake batter. The players ride their horse and chase a runaway cow, aiming to catch up and mark it with the batter. Barrel racing, another common, classic activity also takes place in events. 

       ¨Fun, enjoyable and a good outlet.The equestrian team appreciates Eudy’s leadership skills and reliability. “I love her. She’s always there. Like, if you need anything, you can go to her, you can ask her. She’s always checking in.” Shyann Lunski, a junior on the team, said.

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Photo of Tatiana Newman Photo by: Austin Rudel      

        It’s a sport many have not heard of, but well worth the effort and risks that come with it. If you’re interested in joining or simply learning more about this team of riders, visit Ohset.com to catch up on the latest events and beautiful horses taken care of by the team.  A whole story on its own, held in the hands of a team that is brave, fearless, and dedicated. they never fail to impress with this unique sport.