By Sadie Nakamura ('26)
Houghton University’s Equestrian Program is hosting a riding competition this Saturday at the school’s Equestrian Center to showcase their riders’ skills and horses’ athleticism.
While the Equestrian Center hosts a variety of shows, the Horse Trial, Combined Test and Dressage Schooling Show is unique because it caters to riders of many disciplines. Contestants can display their abilities in dressage, show jumping and cross country. Dressage riders perform tests evaluating the obedience, flexibility and athletic ability of the horse. Show jumping competitors lead their mount in jumping fences, pushing the boundaries of speed and height. Cross country riders take jumping to another level by tackling a variety of obstacles in different terrains.
Houghton graduate Hannah Williamson (’19), the equestrian events coordinator and director of the show, explained that each rider will perform different tests depending on their riding level. Riders can decide to specialize in dressage only, or perform dressage and jumping together. Another option is to choose the horse trial, which starts with a dressage test, followed by a stadium jump course, and finishes with a cross country course.
Some of Houghton’s own students are planning on riding in each of the three events.
“You do all three phases in one day and go from one to the next,” said Lianna Elliot (’26), a junior riding in the beginner novice division with a horse named Everett. “I am excited about the horse show because it will be the end of our evening class and we will get to show our progress.”
Another eventing student, Greta Hewson (’26), is riding three horses: two lesson horses named Digger and Willon, as well as her personal horse, Gunner.
“I am hoping to show off the hard work I’ve been putting in the past couple of weeks,” Hewson said. “My eventing class started two weeks before all other classes started, so we’ve been working on this stuff for a while and I’m looking forward to seeing everything come together.”
Not all the Houghton competitions are riding for class requirements. Danielle Skinner (’27), discussed her excitement to ride with her young personal horse, Jersey. The dressage portion of the competition can provide experience for horses who are newer to the showing world.
“It’s going to be [Jersey’s] first dressage show, so we entered her to get more experience before the November dressage show. I’m hoping to get a good first experience for Jersey, as well as some good comments from the judge,” she said.
The Horse Trial, Combined Test and Dressage Schooling Show is starting at 8:30 a.m. and running until 5 p.m this Saturday at 9823 School Farm Rd. HU’s Equestrian Center is going to be a bustle of activity, and riding students are excited to see their friends and family come out to the barn to support their accomplishments. Williamson added that all shows at the Equestrian Center are open to the public.
“I would love to see a good turnout to this show, because it has so many different elements for people to enjoy,” said Hewson. “It’s our most versatile show of the year and some of the best weather!” ★
