Loyola’s newest club sport leaped out of the gate on Feb. 27 after it received funding from SGA.

On Feb. 25, SGA passed a motion to fund Loyola’s new equestrian team, which was officially chartered two days later.  The eleven-member team will practice and take lessons at Edgebrook Farm, which is located in Covington, Louisiana.

The owner of Edgebrook Farm and the team’s new coach, Megan Burgess Torres, has been riding for twenty years and placed nationally with LSU’s Intercollegiate Horse Show Association.

“I loved my intercollegiate team in college and look forward to sharing that experience with others,” Torres said.

Team members will ride together on Saturdays and be able to schedule ride times and lessons with the coach as desired. Members will also be responsible for the cost of their lessons and participation in shows since they compete individually.

Equipment and transportation to the farm will be provided.

Ashley Meeks, finance senior and the team’s founder, said that she hopes the club becomes popular with Loyola students.

“So far the reception of the team by students has been incredible, and many have expressed interest in joining, especially out of state equestrian students who have been looking for a barn to continue riding,” Meeks said.

Meeks said she plans on registering the team with the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, which will allow students to compete against other universities such as Tulane and LSU.

The association provides collegiate riders of all skill levels the opportunity to compete individually and as teams in equestrian competitions. More than 370 universities across the nation are members of IHSA, and students who compete individually can win scholarships.

Zachary Bracey, assistant director of wellness for intercollegiate athletics, said the team will be a great addition to club sports and that he is excited to watch their progress.

“Ashley has been very diligent in getting this club started, and I commend her effort in doing so in a short time. I hope to see them competing in the future,” Bracey said.

Officer positions in the organization are currently open and will be decided by a vote. Since Meeks will graduate in May, both president and captain positions will be available in the fall.

The team is open to any student or alumni interested.  Students can contact Ashley Meeks for more information.