While the Ithaca College Equestrian Team is relatively new, it is not the College’s first riding club. From 1968 to 1976 the Ithaca College Riding Club practiced equitation in the fields on the northern perimeter of campus (where the physical plant complex now stands), riding out of a campus-owned stable. Sandra Grevatt Acome ’70, secretary of that club, describes the old campus stable as complete with a horse barn, paddock, and riding ring, as well as several horses owned by the College. Acome says one of the high points of her time at Ithaca College was winning the championship at a competition at C. W. Post College on Long Island --- on her 21st birthday.

As the current team continues to build its reputation on the competitive circuit, its members have hopes of eventually becoming a fully funded varsity sport. It’s a long shot, and they know it. The costs of building a facility on campus, as well as those of boarding and maintaining horses, are a pretty high hurdle. Still, this is a group of women who are accustomed to negotiating hurdles, and, thus far, they are clearing them with elegance.  

The equestrian club is eager to hear from members of the original Ithaca College Riding Club. Get in touch or learn more at www.ithaca.edu/equestrian.