Equestrian Team

Since its founding in 2003, Lafayette’s Equestrian Team has been saddling up for success. With more than two dozen members, the team features riders of all experience levels and backgrounds in the sport.

Athletes practice about 15 minutes away at Top Notch Equestrian Centre in Harmony, Pa., and can compete at five levels. Within each level, there are “flats,” in which riders and their horses walk, canter, and trot without jumping; and “fences,” in which jumping is part of the course. According to Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association rules, riders also have to be prepared to ride any horse at any time.

Grace McEneany ’24, introductory rider Lily Bentley ’27, and coach Kelly Poff traveled in May to Tryon, N.C., for nationals, in which McEneany placed fifth. “I just wanted to give my best effort and walk away from my college riding career happy,” explains McEneany, who chose Lafayette over Division I riding schools for the tight-knit atmosphere. “I’m thrilled with my growth, my college experience, and the team. It was the best situation for me.”

The team has seen sustained success in Poff’s tenure as coach, including multiple top finishes in the region. “When I started, no one even knew Lafayette had a team, and now I’m showing people the barn all summer as they’re making their decision on what school they’re going to go to,” Poff says. “It’s a great school with a great group of kids.”