Hall of Fame
It has been 20 years now Jane Ward has been the advisor for the Cedar Crest College Equestrian Team. In 1993 several students came to Ward about starting an Equestrian team. They were officially recognized as a student organization on November 9, 1993 and began competing in the spring of 1994 with about 5 riders: Gail Goldberg, Marcie Gawlick, Becky Fetzer, Eileen Ryan, and Dawn Fullmer.
The most memorable moments that have occurred while Ward has been the advisor, the 1996-1997 Equestrian Team had 18 riders on it and we were tied for 3rd in the Region.
Ward started working at Cedar Crest College in 1981; she has her BA, MA & Ph.D. all from the University of Delaware. She is married and has one daughter Beth. Her husband James also works at Cedar Crest College as a history professor.
Ward can always be found around horses, whether she is supporting the equestrian riders at an event, or riding herself, she is always there from start to finish.
The Team
The team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, Zone 3, and Region 4. The team is comprised of riders of all levels. The club has riders that have never shown before and riders that have an abundance of experience. Everyone is welcome to join.
The team shows at different levels and classes. The equestrian team competes in 8 to 10 shows per year. At each show, the horses are provided and the riders and horses are paired at the beginning of the show by lottery (horse draw). This levels the playing field for all of the riders. One rider in each division is chosen by the coach as the “point rider,” the one whose points count in the team score. The team with the highest score at the end of the show wins.
Individual riders who score high can receive an invitation to compete at the regional finals. The top three winners from that competition go on to the zone finals. From there, the top 2 rider’s progress to the national championships held each year in May. Cedar Crest College has been fortunate and has had riders compete in Regionals for several years and have sent a few to the National Competition.
