Captains (left to right) are the Hammond Equestrian Team are Katherine Chrysostom and Cody McMillion See group photo on page 10 Hammond School has made history by becoming one of the first schools in South Carolina to sponsor their own competitive equestrian team. The school has begun competing as a member of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA), which is a league that allows middle and high school equestrians to ride for their school and to compete against peers from all over the country. Hammond School will have the first western team in the state of South Carolina and the second hunt seat team.

Coaches for the team have been recruited from local communities and are Elizabeth Cate Grove and Tori Edwards for their hunt seat team and Joy McMillion for their western team. All three coaches have years of training and riding and are role models for these young riders. The team would not have been possible without the support of Mike Collins, Chris Angel, Andy Edgren, Terry Brown, Jay Courie, Rob Bethea, and John T. Lay.

As a member of the IEA, it is not necessary to own a horse. The league follows the draw format where riders are given the opportunity to show their skills on horses that are provided by the team. Riders of all levels and across both western and English disciplines are included. In a sport which usually focuses on individual goals and achievements, the IEA provides the experience of setting goals and making sacrifices for the good of the team. The IEA is thriving in many areas of our country with over 30 teams in the Atlanta area alone.

Students are eligible to try out for the team after meeting the criteria of two years of regular instruction. The coaches then meet with each student individually to determine their placement in a division for the team. Practice and lesson schedules are determined based on the needs of each individual rider with an effort to accommodate riders who also participate in other sports on campus. Hammond attended their first show during fall break. They have now begun the process of collecting individual and team points in hopes of qualifying for zone or regional finals this year.

While most students of this age have the chance to participate in experiences that have already been created for them, Hammond's Equestrian Team has learned that hard work, perseverance, and determination can make almost any dream come true.