The Red and Black

Issue date: 11/6/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: RICHARD HAMM Leah Pharr, a sophomore from Atlanta, rides Georgio while practicing hunt-seat riding Oct. 3 at the Animal Science Instructional Arena. Hunt-seat is just one of the styles the equestrian team rides. [Click to enlarge]

A-Rod, OJ and Woody don't go class, but they are still allowed to participate in intercollegiate athletics.

They are three of the 49 horses in the care of the Georgia equestrian program.

Team barn manager Amber Bradley is at the barn at 6:30 in the morning and ensures all horses are in good health during the course of her 12-hour workday.

"The horses don't (complain) unless you don't feed them," said Bradley, who is six months pregnant with her first child. "It is like having 50 kids and they all have different personalities and they all have their ups and downs. They all have their things, their likes and dislikes. It is just like being a mom."

Most of Georgia's 49 horses are donated. Equestrian coach Meghan Boenig said she receives about one call per week from a prospective horse donor. Boeing and her staff put each horse through a series of tests to make sure the animals are capable of being a part of the team.

Once the horses become part of the program, they are treated routinely by the staff at the College of Veterinary Medicine, much as student-athletes are examined by trainers.

"All of our horses are well taken care of," Bradley said. "Our relationship with the vet school is very beneficial to that."

Besides medical care, the horses have equestrian team members in charge of making sure they are well groomed, something Boenig said is a way for the riders to thank the horses for their hard work.

The horses, like the riders, are preparing for a meet on Sunday, when Georgia (5-2) hosts Auburn at 10 a.m at the Animal Science Instructional Arena on South Milledge Avenue.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools