The Wofford equestrian team earned 5th place in the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association this year, undoubtedly as a result of their hard work and uplifting spirits.
The Lady Terriers impressed the Wofford community with their striking accomplishments and relentless drive.
One rider in particular, Remington Linker ‘25 (10), is headed toward the biggest competition of her career thus far.
Linker has endured various triumphs and defeats in her time as a rider, starting at only five years old.
“I’ve been riding for almost 16 years now, so I don’t really remember a time in my life when I wasn’t dedicated to horses,” Linker said.
This year Linker was invited to “zones,” a significant competition for collegiate equestrians, in which participants will ride a horse they’ve never ridden before.
The event pulls the top two riders from each region in South Carolina, Georgia and the central part of Florida.
“All of the horse’s names go into a hat and each rider gets to pick a name out of a hat and ride on that horse. More than likely, that person has never been on that horse before,” Linker said. “It’s a true test of the rider’s equitation.”
With various obstacles in the way, the road to zones was not simple.
“You have to have 36 points to qualify to go to regionals. If you qualify at regionals, the top two in each class make it to zones. That’s pretty much everybody in South Carolina and the top part of Georgia,” Linker said.
Linker’s performance required her to catch up after a year off. She endured two knee surgeries, making this year a sweeping comeback in her riding career. She hopes to make it to nationals and get Wofford “on the map.” Her promising spirit was reflective of her supportive teammates.
“Bonding and growing together as a team have been really important,” said team captain Sam Kohler ‘23 (12). “I put emphasis on it because, when I was an underclassmen, I expected more of a team atmosphere. We didn’t do much together, making it harder. The bond has definitely made a difference and has helped me to keep going. The people are what keep me riding.”
Kohler became team captain junior year, focusing her aim on teamwork and bonding. Linker shares a similar viewpoint, fond of her fellow riders who have become her closest friends.
“My favorite part about the equestrian team is how close the team has gotten. They’re my support system, and it’s really great to be able to have that,” Linker said.
The equestrians call their team “small but mighty.” Wofford had an added disadvantage in comparison to other larger schools in the region. The girls did not have as many horses to practice on, being a smaller team. Almost every other team is a full team.
Wofford also lacked an open rider, consequently taking two zeroes on their point board.
Nevertheless, the Terriers “conquered and prevailed.” They earned 5th out of 12 teams, which Kohler noted, was quite indicative of their progress from last year.
“This past season, we were reserved champions at one of our first shows in Charleston, so the fact that we were able to be reserved a high point team out of 15 teams in our region is super impressive,” Linker said. “It’s just a testimony to all of our hard work as riders and all the hard work that our coach puts into us.”
The equestrian Terriers are on cloud nine after the exciting team score and a successful season overall.
They look forward to cheering on their beloved teammate as she heads to zones in Savannah, Ga. on April 1.
