New Uni's for Equestrian

By Curtis Clay

It's eyes on the prize, not the women. For the TCU women’s equestrian team, western riders will have a new look next season.

Instead of the elaborate, sequin-clad patterns, head coach Gary Reynolds said the western team will sport a more modest look next year.

“The uniforms for next year will be vastly different from what we have now, as they’ll be controlled,” Reynolds said. “They won’t be quite as flashy with all the sequins and the bling.”

In English style equestrian, attire is more formal, standardized and less focused on appearance. But in western style equestrian, appearance sometimes plays a bigger role in the eyes of the judges.

Sophomore rider Courtney Chown said she likes the distinctive uniforms not only because they may help you gain favor with the judges, but also because they increase confidence.

“If you look the part and you look good and you look like you want to win, I think (the judges) already want to plus you,” Chown said.

Chown said she understands why the team is transitioning to a new look because it forces riders to rely on their skills rather than how they look.

“It definitely levels the playing field,” Chown said. “It takes away that sparkle. You have to just be a good rider naturally.”

By removing the showy, and usually expensive uniforms, Chown said it makes competition fairer for schools that are not able to afford the luxury.

The team might wear the uniforms for the last time at the Varsity Equestrian National Championships in Waco on April 12. Regardless of their get-up, Reynolds said his riders are ready to end the season on a high note.

Reynolds said he thinks this year’s TCU team is stronger across the board than both the 2008 and 2009 teams, which were crowned national champion and reserve national champion, respectively.

“We’ve got the best team I’ve ever coached,” Reynolds said. “We have more depth and more experience and I’m just really excited about this year.”

Sophomore Victoria Lee said both the English and western style riders are thrilled for the opportunity to improve on last season’s finish.

“Last year was a really good learning experience and we’re just looking to make it to the end again,” Lee said, “We’re all very excited to compete.”

See what head coach Gary Reynolds has to say about Equestrian at http://blip.tv/file/3334233