BY KASS LAWRENCE ’22
The Lyons Western Riding Team ended the last show of their season at the Mount Holyoke College Show on Dec. 7, 2019. This placed the team second in the region.
Western riding has evolved from American ranching traditions. The horses’ skills are showcased in different events like “reining,” “roping” and “cutting.” Western riders have a traditional uniform that includes a “cowgirl” helmet, detailed metal belt buckles and “cowgirl” boots. They ride with one hand on the reins and the other hand free for roping.
The Western Riding Team is coached by Kelli Wainscott and Assistant Coach Amanda Golembeski. They participate in a number of competitions during the school year, including their annual Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser Show.
A typical riding practice consists of five riders learning and mastering the skills of Western riding.
“Some weeks that means focusing on body position, learning patterns, learning new gaits and maneuvers and many other things,” said Sal Cosmedy ’20, a member of the team. “We’re generally paired in lessons by skill level because we have riders of all different levels on our team.”
Cosmedy shares their experience of joining the club sports team. “I joined the spring of my junior year after coming back from abroad. I had never ridden horses before Mount Holyoke, but my sophomore year, I took English riding lessons and loved it,” they said. “I was drawn to Western because I was interested in riding in a style that comes from a working tradition. I would encourage folks to join this club if they’re interested in riding and want to learn what Western is all about.”
Western Riding’s next competition of the new season will be held at the University of Connecticut on Saturday, Feb. 8.