UBC Thunderbirds Equestrian Sport Club take the reins in inaugural competitive club season

This year saw a breakthrough season for the UBC equestrians, both in the number of athletes and the number of awards.

Previously an AMS club, the club applied to the Thunderbirds Sport Clubs and registered as a competitive club for 2016/17. The team is one of just two programs in BC that are part of the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA).   

The competitive club showcased 22 riders in various competitions this season compared to just six in previous years.

With these impressive numbers on saddle, UBC took home their first team reserve high point — a second place finish — at the University of Oregon Hunt Seat Show in January. The team was never large enough in past seasons to gain points for a team award.

Riding their overall team’s success, club executives Claire Anderson and Natalie Nahirney also qualified for regional finals in Oregon, zone finals at Stanford University and nationals hosted at the Kentucky House Park in Kentucky – the same venue as that of the world equestrian games.

“We are judged mainly on horse management and position, so our practices are really focused on our own riding, and adaptability to new horses,” said Nahirney, who placed ninth at nationals in the competitive Open Equitation on the Flat division.  

In the Open Flat, Nahirney was both regional and Zone 8 champion. The region includes riders from Oregon, Washington and British Columbia.

 “We have a short time to adapt to new horses in collegiate. As a rider, it’s a huge skill to be able to read new horses quickly, understand them, and be able to perform jumping,” added Nahirney.  

Her teammate and fellow club veteran Anderson also had a strong turnout at the national tournament, finishing seventh in the Intermediate Equitation Over Fences. In the Zone 8 finals, Anderson was the reserve champion in the same event, taking home second place in intermediate fences.

While the team is anchored by Nahirney and Anderson, it welcomes riders from all levels.

The UBC Equestrian Club and the UBC Thunderbirds Equestrian Sport Club are now two separate organizations. The UBC Thunderbirds Equestrian Sport Club is a collegiate riding team, while the AMS club offers a connection to the equestrian community in Vancouver and hosts social events and trail rides.

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