by Mary Lisa Russell
Men's and women's sports at Fresno State have caught the lens of the national media for years. But now the university is being recognized in a whole different arena -- literally -- for its women's equestrian team. And, on the brink of NCAA approval, women's equestrian at Fresno State is making national news as the premiere program for other universities to emulate across the nation.
When it comes time for college, most equestrians have to sell their horse, hang up their spurs or wait until they finished their education to continue with the sport. But each year at Fresno State, 85 women will have the chance to compete in an NCAA Division 1 varsity athletic sport that they love, thanks to Title IX.
Title IX requires equal access to sports regardless of gender. By enlisting the help of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology's well-established equine program, the university made great strides in complying with Title IX.
Earlier this month, a Wall Street Journal article named Fresno State's equestrian team "a national model of a vigorous sports program with 85 women." The article also stated that colleges across the country are paying attention to Fresno State and the success of its equestrian program.
Equestrian head coach Megan McGee said she started the team with more than 50 students and was overwhelmed with the response she received. In just three years, the team grew to 85 members. McGee said she gets more than 250 inquiries per year from students interested in the program.
Following Fresno State's lead, 38 colleges and universities have informed the NCAA that they sponsor varsity equestrian teams. McGee and Fresno State's women's tennis coach Irene Harris were instrumental in helping the NCAA to establish guidelines and procedures for the sport.
National Title IX expert Mitzi Witchger said one of the benefits of equestrian is that it appeals to women everywhere and that approval of NCAA status would energize other schools to include it in varsity offerings. Witchger said equestrian could bring most schools closer to compliance with Title IX, and unlike football or some other sports, equestrian is a lifetime sport.
Few people are familiar with the way NCAA equestrians compete. During competition, riders have to show horses they have never ridden before in specific events, such as jumping over fences or performing a reining pattern. The riders are not allowed to practice, or even see the horse before competition. The horses are provided by sanctioned NCAA officials.
"You have to be a great athlete to just hop on a horse you've never seen and ride it over a dozen fences in a class, while being judged," said McGee. "I don't think most people know how much time and effort these women have spent on their sport. Some begin as young as three years old and devote a lifetime to it."
While a baseball player can spend $500 on a good mitt or a soccer player could drop $200 for a fancy pair of cleats, an equestrian athlete can spend anywhere from $500 to more than what a top-of-the-line Mercedes Benz would cost for their horse. And if that's not enough, other appointments such as a saddle, blanket, bridle, bit, or reins, can easily add up to thousands of dollars.
A baseball or volleyball player works as a team, but the equestrian athlete has more than just herself to worry about. An equestrian has to keep herself and her horse (and university project horses) in shape with training, conditioning and showing.
McGee said the next few weeks could bring promising news of
other colleges and universities that want to declare varsity equestrian
teams. "Title IX has created a whole new world of opportunities
for women equestrians," said McGee.
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