Wilson Equestrian Teams Going Strong

Wilson’s Western and Hunt Seat Teams have had a busy year.

Director of Equestrian Teams and Western Coach Cathy Woosley Luse said, “We just finished up our 2023-2024 season on March 2. This is the second year for the Western team, and we finished sixth out of 10 in the region.”

Freshman Adaira Decker rides on the Western team, which she joined because she attended a summer camp before college where she met Woosley Luse for the first time. Decker rides in the beginner division where she walks and jogs. So far, she has won three ribbons, a first, second, and a third.

Decker likes the camaraderie on the team. “You don’t always have to place to have a good ride and your teammates will always be there for you.”

Hunt Seat Head Coach McKenna Debus said that unlike the Western team, her team “does not do head-to-head competitions. We have placings within the region” based on a point system.

Freshman Taylor Hayes is a second-generation rider on the Hunt Seat team. She was drawn to Wilson because her mom also attended and was on the team from 1994 to 1998. Hayes performs in the limit division. So far, she has won eight ribbons.

Hayes recommends Hunt Seat.  “If you join the team, you will love it,” she said, noting that her horse Orlin competes in the home shows.

The Western team represents Wilson College in Zone 3, Regions 3 and 4 of the IHSA circuit. The Hunt Seat represents Wilson College in IHSA Zone 3, Region 2.