Equestrian Program with Eloise

Transcript

Earlham offers one of the nation’s only student-run Horse Barns and Equestrian Programs. Here to talk about it is Eloise. Students like Eloise take shifts at the horse barn in exchange for riding privileges on Earlham’s beautiful back campus full of forests, trails, lakes, and pastures. Earlham also sponsors a Hunt Seat Equestrian Team in the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association. Tell us more, Eloise.

– Thanks, Alex. When I first started looking at colleges, I saw myself going back to California where I’d spent half my life, but when it came to making my decision, I realized that Earlham College was the place for me. One of the things that drew me to Earlham was how you call everyone by their first name. Even your professors, they care about you and your success. The professors are so passionate about what they teach, and they instill that passion into each student. My Ornithology course turned me into a birder. I knew I wanted to work with animals combining biology and psychology, and my advisor has been incredibly helpful and supportive. She helped me create my own major, Anthrozoology, which is the study of human and non-human animal interactions. This past summer, I explored a possible future career path using my Epic Advantage funding to serve as a research assistant at the Boston College Canine Cognition Center. I started horseback riding when I was 10, so going to a college with an Equestrian Program was a huge draw for me because it means I can ride almost year round. I’m a member of Earlham’s Barn Co-op and Equestrian Team. Every co-op member has at least one barn shift where we do a variety of barn chores to help care for the horses. My favorite part is bringing the horses in and out from the pastures. It’s so wonderful being able to walk over from my apartment and go for a trail ride in our beautiful back campus. I’m so glad I made the decision to come to Earlham. I’m not sure I would’ve found my path in life if not for the support of my professors and the incredible opportunities that Earlham has given me. Back to you, Alex.

– Eloise, Earlham has truly nurtured your passion for horses and helped you discover an appreciation for other animals through your coursework in ornithology. Earlham’s back campus is absolutely stunning, and being able to design your own major is a really unique opportunity in higher education. Thanks again, Eloise.