VARSITY EQUESTRIAN

[MrMustang1965]

I don't know a darn thing about this sport! But I guess it only makes sense that a school with a Mustang as its mascot should have an equestrian team!

One note: Peruna is too small to ride!

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"Winning ain't everything...but it's a lot more fun than the alternative!" S.M.U. SPIRIT: IT STARTS NOW!

[91Stang]

Where are they going to ride?

[ponyte]

Oh great! It finally looks like our athletic program has gone to horse manure.

[d_pony]

i believe it will be Las Colinas

[BillBored]

how did the school arrive at the decision to add equestrian? i heard softball was tossed around as an option, but apparently it wasn't what the school wanted. i'd much rather watch chicks play softball on campus than see horses prance around

[PonyTales]

SMU is always talking about limited budgets -- isn't equestrian a tremendously expensive sport?

[IslandBoy]

BillBored - Where would they put a softball field? They're land-locked as it is now!

[Water Pony]

Top Ten Reasons to Add Equestrian Team:
10. 40 Student Athletes added
9. Brings us into compliance faster on Title IX
8. Reduces pressure to eliminate a Men's Sport(s) which is a real possibility (Fresno State & West Va. just wacked 3-5 programs each.
7. Facililies (lease or rented) will be off campus. There is no room on campus to intramuals, much less another sports, e.g. Softball
6. SMU demongraphics are great for sports
5. Will raise more money than other sports
4. Vast majority of student-athletes will be full tuition paying walk-ons.
3. We can rapidly excel in this emerging sport
2. Investment isn't that big with leased, rented or donated horses.
1. Mustangs, Ponies and their Riders go great together. Ride to Victory!

[Hoss]

WaterPony - How can we "rapidly excel" in equestrian? Wouldn't there be a normal growing period, like any new program?

[SMUguy]

Will any more people watch equestrian than watch track or crew or golf?

[Water Pony]

Hoss: We can rapid progress because how the scoring works. There are three/four classes Open, Intermediate, Novice and Walk & Trot. This means that beginners and novices score Team points. Only the Open riders need to be highly competitive on a National or Regional basis and will expect some scholarship money.

SMUguy: This isn't a big spectator sport The riders' friends, parents, etc. attend; similar to golf, crew, etc. However, sponsors ($) are much easier to get and a "Friends of SMU Equestrian" would promote the school, sport and students, while raising money.