Over the river and through the woods, it’s cantering they go.
For some students at Christendom College, that’s the literal
truth this fall as they embrace the school’s newest
extracurricular activity: horseback riding. Helmets on heads
and reins in hands, students trot across streams and up steep
trails in the Shenandoah Valley as part of an equestrian
program offered through a new partnership between the college
and nearby Royal Horseshoe Farm.
“Christendom hasn’t lost its Catholic identity,” said Charles
Asper, who, along with his wife, Rose, owns the Front
Royal-based farm. “The people there are full of Catholic
Faith, and we see lots of good kids coming out from that
process.”
As a way of supporting the college, the Aspers are offering
students discounted instruction in horseback riding through
either a casual (twice a month), weekly or focused (twice a
week) program. About seven students, both beginners and more
advanced riders, enrolled this semester.
“The goal is to mix up both lessons and some trail rides,
depending on what the situation is, and try to enhance the
riding capabilities,” Asper said.
Under the supervision of a certified instructor, students are
instructed on proper horse-riding posture and technique
during lessons. Once every few weeks they head out into the
140 acres of farmland – literally winding through woods and
cantering through meadows – for a longer ride. The activity,
even if only for an hour, provides students with a healthy
way to forget the everyday pressures of college life.
It’s a chance to “clear your head and realize that there’s a
bigger picture, there’s a world outside of school still going
on, and it’s not the end of the world if you’re just having a
bad day,” said Katie Gutschke, a sophomore who rides every
Friday with three other friends.
“It’s nice to get off campus,” said Krystle Schuetz, a senior
who has been riding horses since she was 13. “When you ride
it’s so relaxing. It’s a nice break from studies and to just
feel like a little girl again.”
Tina Anderson, Royal Horseshoe Farm’s horse manager, recently
instructed Schuetz and fellow senior Mary Kate Hunt as they
rode farm horses Ben and Raz around a practice arena during
their weekly lesson. A spongy surface of crushed up tires
eased the continuous impact of the horses’ hooves on the
earth.
“There’s just something about riding,” Anderson said. “If
you’re tired, it perks you up. If you’re sick, it makes you
feel better.”
Hunt had never ridden a horse until the program was offered
via Christendom. She embraced the opportunity to learn an
activity – and explore a part of the countryside – she knew
nothing about. Riding horses, Hunt added, provided an
opportunity to connect with God in a natural setting.
“You feel a lot closer to God and nature,” Schuetz agreed.
“There’s something very simple about horse riding. It brings
you back to basics with an animal.”
“Part of what makes Christendom Christendom is our location
in the Shenandoah Valley,” said Tom McFadden, director of
admissions. “It’s such a beautiful area.”
Having ridden on a weekly basis since September, Gutschke got
to watch the fall colors emerge in the Shenandoah Valley
firsthand – especially during a recent ride.
“Last Friday we were up in the mountains. It was sunny; I was
even riding bareback,” she said. “It was beautiful being out
in nature, being with horses (and) seeing God’s glory
manifested in the changing colors of the trees.”
Students will continue riding through the end of November,
and a spring program will begin in February. Trail rides, for
students or anyone else, are available year-round.
