Although the  Oswego  State equestrian team has won four consecutive regional championships, not everyone on campus is aware of the talented group of riders. For many students, extracurricular activities are a vital part of not only their college decision but also their college experience.

With over 200 registered clubs and organizations available to the student body at Oswego State, it can be easy for some to go unnoticed. OSET is just one of many that have been working hard to make their presence known.

“We try hard to get our name out there by a lot of different advertisements throughout the year, but more often than not, we hear the typical, ‘What? We have an equestrian team?’” said Maddy Kaleta, vice president of OSET. “Despite our recruiting and advertising efforts, I feel the vast majority of the school’s population isn’t even aware of the club’s existence.”

Kaleta began riding when she was 7 years old and said she would not even consider looking at a school if they did not have an equestrian team.

“My family thought I was crazy, but I’ve met a lot of other students who have done the same thing. Not only did I join to ride horses, but like many other incoming freshmen, I wanted to make a lot of friends with a similar interest,” Kaleta said.

In addition to the social benefits the club brings, Kaleta also noted the potential educational benefits.

“I think the equestrian team is a very valuable club on campus,” Kaleta said. “We have some people who join to get large-animal experience if they’re on a zoology or pre-vet track. The team can help further your riding while maintaining your mental health and stress relief or be fun for a beginning to try something new.”

Senior Ali Renner said she has known about OSET for a while but did not join until this semester.

“I decided I wanted to join because I wanted to learn how to ride horses and I finally made enough money over the summer to pay for lessons once a week,” Renner said.

The effort it took to join and improve as a member of the team has proven worth the time for Renner, who has made the most of her time so far.

“I knew about OSET, but I don’t think a lot of people do, which is a shame because my experience has been great so far,” Renner said. “I really love it. There are three people all taking lessons one at a time, sometimes at different levels for an hour, but you get enough individual attention from the instructor and enough time to figure stuff out on your own. Plus, you ride different horses every week, so you get to know and love them all for who they are.”

Junior Kortney Steele said she did not know Oswego had an equestrian team until a few semesters into her college career.

“I think it’s something pretty cool and unique Oswego [State] offers that for [its] students,” Steele said. “I definitely think it’s something that could be highlighted more. Sports like hockey and basketball are more popular, but horseback riding is still pretty neat to be a part of.”

Despite all of the team success, Kaleta and the team still feel they do not get a deserved amount of respect on campus.

“Sometimes professors and peers don’t hold us to remotely similar levels as students in other sports programs, but our team has an incredible amount of regional and national titles, so despite what people commonly think about our sport, I like to think we hold our own on the playing field,” Kaleta said.

OSET trainer Jill Bergstresser said the equestrian team really focuses on the team mentality and is continuously proud of all the athletes’ accomplishments.

“Our athletes have won five national championship titles, one reserve national championship title, multiple top 10 National titles and national semifinals titles and the team has also won nine consecutive regional championships,” Bergstresser said.

Bergstresser voiced her pleasure about all of the accolades her team has received, and it was all accentuated with a highly prestigious honor.

“We are also one of only two schools on the East Coast in the last 35 years that have had the honor of winning the Western Highpoint Rider at the IHSA National Horse Show,” Bergstresser said.

While   OSET  still finds many  students and faculty unaware of the equestrian team on campus, Bergstresser said the Student Association is very supportive and OSET is incredibly appreciative of all of the financial and moral support provided.

Photo provided by Alyssa Facteau via Lucas Noonan Photography