The Williams team, as well as our nonshowing riders, practices at Oak Hollow Farm in Williamstown, just a couple of miles away from the center of campus. There are two other barns in town (Cloverhill and Bonnie Lea), at which students have boarded their own horses, but Lynda Gross, the owner and trainer at Oak Hollow, is the team coach and thus the main teacher for the club. Lynda teaches all levels and gives riders the same high level of attention whether they are planning to show or just ride for pleasure.
The horses are Oak Hollow's biggest asset -- from the school ponies to the privately-owned boarded horses to Lynda's own jumpers, all are well-trained and willing to teach the riders what they know.
Oak Hollow is equipped with two barns, several fields and large indoor and outdoor rings, as well as access to miles of trails. Private boarding is also available for students who have their own horses -- for information on boarding or lesson plans call Lynda at (413) 458-9278. Transportation is flexible; we take our own cars and carpool or we take college vans -- each lesson usually has a designated driver who reserves a car and is notified if someone is going to be absent or late.
The majority of Williams riders don't show with the team. These riders might take lessons with team members, depending on individual schedules and preferences, but no pressure is put on anyone who doesn't want to compete. We can also provide P.E. credit for riding, so the time spent at the barn doesn't go unnoticed! Our team is laid-back and flexible, so whether riders are or aren't interested in showing, they can still get as much riding time as will fit in their schedules. Of course, we're always glad to welcome new members to our show team, regardless of experience! For more information on the team and the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, go to the Team Page.
No problem! You take lessons when you can fit them in. If you have a game or a practice during your normal lesson time, just join another lesson. If you have an exam the next day or a term paper to write, just call and say you won't be there. While it's no problem if you want to skip a lesson, the lessons can also be a great escape from the pressures of work, sports or campus life. There's nothing like a trail ride through the woods right after you've finished your midterms!
- original text contributed by Katie Berlin '00