By Paige Bilsbury

During the unusually warm first Saturday of November, the University of Maryland Equestrian Club (MEC) hosted their annual Fall Fun Show at the Campus Farm. 

From 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m, the event was open to members or anyone interested in seasonal foods, a family friendly atmosphere and learning about the club. The student run organization created an itinerary featuring the six horses and many fall activities. Fundraising for the horses was a priority of the club during the event, according to members. 

MEC members are responsible for barn maintenance, and attending monthly meetings. They are also able to train and take care of the horses with no prior experience necessary. 

The club prepared for the event far in advance to bring together horseshoe toss games, egg and spoon races and limbo activities that complemented the horse riding demonstrations.

Megan Kules, an MEC member and freshman animal science major, worked the horseshoe toss table at the event and said she hoped everyone that came had a good time. Kules emphasized the importance of demonstrating to non-members what the club and horses have to offer.

“[Horses] are beautiful, majestic creatures. They’re just amazing. You can develop amazing relationships with them,” Kules said. “They’re really, really great animals but I think a lot of people don’t get the opportunity to really meet the horses.”

Amber Sadiq, an MEC member, was volunteering at the pumpkin painting table at the event. She also helped set up the many stands, which included hot chocolate, baked goods, club merchandise and horse themed activities for children.

“I think there’s a misperception that the Equestrian Club is just riding, but it’s much more than that,” Sadiq said. “You get to make friends. You get to interact with the animals, which is very therapeutic, and you do get to ride which is really fun as well.” 

The show consisted of three levels of riding: advanced, intermediate and beginner. Members alternated between horses to avoid overworking them. The newest horse, Quinn, was featured during the intermediate riding demonstration and charmed the audience.

“Horses are fun, huh?” A father said to his young daughter in the audience.

Audience members clapped, smiled and FaceTimed their friends while the show went on. Many of the audience members were family members of the MEC members. Others were alumni or community members with a love for animals. 

Donna McKethan attended the show to support her daughter, Gizanni, who is a freshman and was taking photos at the event for MEC. The equestrian club and horses enticed Gizanni to come to UMD. She loved horses growing up, and MEC and the Fall Fun Show has allowed her to be involved with horses again.

Featured Image: MEC member participates in the riding demonstration on one of the Campus Farm’s horses at the Fall Fun Show in front of audience members on Nov. 5, 2022. Photo by Paige Bilsbury.