FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
SIDELINES JUNE 2013 95
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Education – Southern Methodist University
By Rachel Cline
During my frst visit to Southern Methodist University, I had an
overwhelming sense of being home. Driving down SMU Boulevard
for the frst time I was struck by the pristine grounds and lush green
scenery. I was in awe of the southern style buildings, and admired the
hydrangeas, which traced every path of the campus. Before I could
even set foot out of the car, I remember turning to my father and saying,
“This is it Dad. This is my school.”
Once I graduated from high school, I knew I wanted to compete at
a collegiate level. I already had a sense of what it was like to compete
as a member of a team through my high school’s Tri-State Equitation
League. However, I knew I wanted to challenge myself at an NCAA
level. Rather than perusing athletic scholarships at other schools, I
chose to be a walk on member at SMU.
Ultimately, SMU rewarded my talents and persistence with an athletic
scholarship beginning my sophomore year. SMU has an established
English team (Hunter Seat and Dressage) and we are excited to
announce that we are adding a Western team to our equestrian family.
Our horses are donated to the school and we typically ride twice a week.
Going into nationals this year, we are the number 6 seed and have been
ranked top 10 in the nation the last three years.
Aside from the perks, such as priority scheduling and free athletic
gear, being an NCAA equestrian has multiple benefts. Personally, SMU
has given me the opportunity to grow as an individual, as well as a
team member. Most of my life I had competed as an individual at shows
such as Devon, the Winter Equestrian Festival and Spruce Meadows.
However, riding at SMU has given me the attitude and motivation to
succeed as a member of a team, not just an individual.
Team captain Julie Fischer said, “I chose to ride in college in
order to continue riding while getting an education and doing
so in a team setting. SMU was my frst choice. I fell in love
with the school and team and haven’t looked back.”
It is honestly with a heavy heart to say that I will be a senior
in the fall of 2013. For the last three years SMU has been
the gathering place of my friends, my family and my home.
I have never once second-guessed my decision coming
to SMU, and it has been the best three years of my life. If
you seek to enhance your skills as a rider, obtain a quality
education, and make the memories of a lifetime, SMU is the
school for you.
Rachel Cline is a 21-year-old junior at SMU, studying Sport Management
and Psychology. She lives in Dallas with her French Bulldog, Patrick, and
wishes to pursue a career in equine public relations.
SMU – Southern Hospitality and Horses
The SMU
Equestrian
Team.
Photo by SMU
Photography
The beautiful Southern Methodist
University campus.
Photo by Cox
SMU student and team member Rachel Cline.
Photo by Jordan Cline