Mood:
sillyTopic: Writing
"Like a postcard from the West capturing a moment in time, the sun has fallen; stacking hues of violet and rose provide a backdrop to a trail of horses, trotting in the sand. The dust rises at their hooves, eventually reaching their manes. But this picturesque moment isn't out west, it is off Old Jefferson highway in Prairieville, La."
Late last month, I spent a Friday evening at a barn—partially known as the LSU Equestrian Club stables. A large part of being a writer is actually experiencing what it is you're writing about, or at the very least, being around someone who is participating in what you're writing about. So that Friday evening, I did everything but ride a horse. I pet them, fed them, and nearly rolled in the dust with them.
I watched the ladies in the club run through a typical practice—going over "flat," which is walking, trotting, and cantering; running through jumps, anywhere from one foot to three feet high. It really was something.
Just like Jamie Cullum says, I'm a pointless nostalgic. Being at the stables reminded me of my childhood when I showed horses for 4H at the Bartholomew County Fair. After the barrel races and showing, I liked to watch the riders who rode equestrian style—their uniforms were always so polished and their horses had perfectly braided manes.
The LSU ladies even practiced in their (partial) uniforms, wearing the tailored pants, boots, LSU shirts, and wool helmet. They didn't have to wear the jacket, which thank God, because it was a bajillion degrees outside.
What I admired most about this club (like most) is that they are self-funded. Other universities sponsor their clubs, putting them in top notch uniforms, with horses, a stable, and traveling equipment. LSU, however, doesn't help this club. Some of the women have their own horses, which they pay for themselves ($450/month, just to board them). They travel to competitions on their own—but they are just as great, and often better, than the teams with brass helmets.
The coach impressed me. She is currently earning her PhD at LSU and obviously has that leader personality. She is hoping one day the club will get enough funding to compete at the varsity level and be a part of the SEC. Until then, she said, they must rely on the goodness of the Baton Rouge community.
I sure had a blast hanging out with these ladies, and their horses (Speedy, Tango, CR, Woody, and Moose).
Read my story, and check out the fabulous photo gallery here: LSU Equestrian Club looks forward to competition season.
