2003-2004 Kent Equestrian Team

Fall Season Summary

This 2003 Fall term the Equestrian Team started fresh with a great group of students. The 28 riders including 4 seniors accomplished both team and individual goals established at the outset of the season with several new riders and some new horses. The team banded together and accomplished many feats such as learning to jump in the cross country
course while each student improved on his or own individual skills. New members to the team (Maddy Casella, Stephanie Underwood and Stephanie Geewax) are talented horsepeople and brought a great new attitude to the team.

Winter Season Summary

The Equestrian Team , coping with cold weather and snow-covered ground, took to the stable's indoor ring for much of the winter season. Accommodating eight riders at a time, the indoor facility allowed for more structured and personalized lessons by Michael Page. Jumping indoors is more complicated; but Kent's riders rose to the challenge. Captains Lizzy Kornblit and Gilad Ben-David did a wonderful job keeping the team together, their leadership and horsemanship allowing for yet another superb term of riding. With the help of the other seniors, Nathalie Jansen and Jenny Gabrielski, the captains and all riders displayed the true meaning of team. The team's effort and motivation were further proved in intramural competition, The Nations Cup. In this competition, there were various groups of three riders who rode two courses at different levels with the team recording the least amount of faults coming out on top. The riders are all happy with the winter term and can't wait to get outdoors come spring.

Spring Season Summary

Taking advantage of Kent's 5 outdoor fields as well as the indoor arena, Kent's equestrian team enjoyed a successful and rewarding term. Head Trainer Michael Page commented "this has been the best group of riders I have had the privilege of training; not necessarily because they ride the best, but because they learned the most. Each participant rides a good deal better than when they first arrived and I feel honored to have had the opportunity to work with this group."

At the Kent School Combined Test Amanda Thurston and Nathalie Jansen performed well in both dressage and stadium jumping. Captains Lizzy Kornblit and Ben Ben-David rode well throughout their Kent careers and provided outstanding leadership from fall to spring.

About the Instructor: Michael O. Page