Miami University Recreation Blog

“Returning for my second year on Miami University’s Equestrian Team (MUET) feels like coming home” says Annika Nyberg, a current sophomore MUET member. Last year, as a freshman, Annika nervously stepped into the world of intercollegiate horse showing, unsure of what to expect. Now, entering her second season, there’s comfort and excitement in reuniting with coaches, teammates, and of course the horses. At the beginning of the season, it’s an exciting time as the team prepares for the upcoming show season and welcome the new freshman riders to MUET. 

The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA), is very unique in the fact that you do not have to provide your own horse. Instead, IHSA shows are run in a catch ride format. For each class, there is a draw that determines which horse riders will compete on. “This is an incredible opportunity because it challenges us as riders to use and develop skills that allow us to adapt and ride a wide variety of horses”. Another unique aspect of IHSA, is that it’s an individual sport and a team sport all at once. At a traditional horse show, riders and their own horses compete against other horse/rider duos to accumulate points. IHSA is similar in the fact that you are collecting individual points, but different since you are also earning points for your team and blocking other teams from receiving points. A point rider is chosen by the coaches for each division at the show. Points accumulated by the point riders throughout the day are then added up to determine the champion and reserve champion teams. “We like to look at it as offense and defense, both being equal. Everyone’s ride matters, not just the point rider because we also want to ride defensively to prevent other school’s point riders from gaining points”. 

The start of the season is all about preparation for their show at University of Louisville, as well as the rest of the season. During lessons, they focus on rider fitness and strength. IHSA is equitation focused, meaning that it is judged on the rider’s style of riding rather than solely focusing on the horse’s performance. With that in mind, MUET members have been working on their position both on the flat and over fences so that they look strong yet effortless in the saddle. Judges pay close attention to the basics of equitation: posture, balance, a stable leg, heels down, and eyes up. Riding is just as much a mental sport as it is physical. Entering the ring on an unfamiliar horse can be intimidating at first, which is why riders need the mental strength to believe in their own riding abilities and trust the horse they draw. Remembering and visualizing different courses and tracks is an important piece that is regularly incorporated into lessons. It’s useful to be able to visualize the track to be able to adapt to all the different sized venues where they compete. 

Just like the riders, the horses need to prepare for the season too. Over the summer, the horses all enjoyed some well deserved time off. The first few weeks back at school, MUET focused on getting the horses back in performance condition right alongside them. The focus of the Miami Bound: Equestrian program for returning sophomores was how to bring a horse back into work. Throughout the program, they incorporated lunging techniques, lunge line lessons, and riding exercises to help assist in bringing their assigned horse back to work.

“The horses and the people are what makes MUET special. This team has done so much for me as a rider, and I am excited to continue to grow with the team this season”. As a rider, Annika has seen drastic improvements in her own riding skills. She says she’s gained valuable experience from all the different horses that make up the program here at Miami and those she has been able to ride at away shows. “I will be forever grateful for the numerous opportunities that this team has given me, like riding on the 2025 Nationals team. In addition, this team has allowed me to make so many new friends at Miami who share my same passion for the sport”.