The University at Buffalo’s equestrian team may not be as well known as the school’s football or basketball programs, but the riders are making their mark in competition. In the past year, two Bulls advanced to the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Zone Championships and one rider qualified for the National Championships, showing that UB can compete with some of the top collegiate programs in the region.
Junior criminology major, Mae Kraetz, who serves as the team’s president, has been riding almost her entire life.
“My mom is our coach, so I’ve been doing it forever,” Kraetz said. “But I’ve been in the club since 2023, my freshman year.”
As president, Kraetz manages lesson schedules, coordinates with the IHSA and organizes travel for competitions. The team competes against schools including Cornell, Alfred, Nazareth, Rochester Institute of Technology and the University of Rochester.
IHSA competitions look very different from traditional horse shows. Instead of riding their own horses, competitors are randomly assigned mounts from the host school.
“You basically pick a horse out of a hat,” Kraetz said. “You have never sat on that horse before, and then you go in and show off your skills.”
Shows often last from early morning to late afternoon and feature both individual and team scoring. While every rider competes for their own placement, designated point riders contribute directly to UB’s team standings.
Kraetz said the long competition days are when the team feels closest. The riders spend hours traveling together, watching one another perform and supporting each other from the sidelines.
“Shows are usually a full day, from the morning until mid-afternoon,” Kraetz said. “They’re long, but they’re some of the best days because we’re all there cheering for each other. It really feels like a family.”
Founded around 2014, UB’s equestrian club is open to all experience levels. Tryouts are held in the fall, with riders placed into groups based on ability. Beginners can take weekly or biweekly lessons, while competitive members practice weekly and travel to shows.
“We’re open to everyone,” Kraetz said. “Whether you’ve been riding your whole life or you’re just starting out, there’s a place for you here.”
With a trip to Nationals already behind them, the Bulls are looking to build on last season’s success and continue developing one of UB’s most unique competitive teams.
Ciah Courtney is an assistant sports editor and can be reached at ciah.courtney@ubspectrum.com
