The Western Illinois University Equestrian Show Team recently had a member reach a historic level in competitive equestrian showmanship.
Natalia Szwajnos is an agriculture science major/pre-vet major at WIU, and she hopes to continue her education after Western at Iowa State and become a large animal veterinarian.
Szwajnos recently represented Western Illinois University in the Collegiate Equestrian Competition in Lubbock, TX March 27-29.
Before coming to Macomb, Natalia, a Downers Grove native, had never ever shown a horse. But having a love for the animals led her to White Pine Farm on East Grant Street and owner and riding instructor Loren Dimmitt, who is also the coach of the WIU Equestrian Show Team. Since Natalia does not own a horse, White Pine furnished her with one of theirs and she began to take riding lessons. Dimmitt encouraged Natalia to join the WIU team and show at various fairly local shows to earn points.
In late March, Natalia and Loren, along with Loren’s husband, John, made the 16-hour drive to Lubbock. Natalia, the beginning riding student, earned enough points to qualify for Regionals, and then qualified for what is called “Zones,” the next level before Nationals. No WIU rider is believed to have ever attained that level of success.
The trio left Macomb at 4 a.m. and drove straight through to Texas Tech University, arriving around 7 p.m. The next morning consisted of Loren attending a coaches meeting, registration, a session called horse schooling, and finally the riders were given a spreadsheet called “horse descriptions,” that tells them a little about the horse they will be riding.
For example, does the horse like a loose mouth or a tighter leg. Horses are “drawn,” and each rider prior to the drawing does not know what horse they will be riding. By riding an unfamiliar horse, the judges can witness how well the rider can adapt to a new horse and the rider’s skill level.
This system also takes into consideration the riders who do not have a horse or a way to transport one.
The Zones level of competition refers to the eight zones in the country, which are divided even more into Regions, providing competition for riders of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced, in hunter and western disciplines. Teams and individual riders compete within their region during the regular season to qualify for the Regional championships.
Any rider that finishes in the top two places at Zones qualifies to go to Nationals.
Natalia, who loves to ride hunt seat, as well as western saddle, competed in the hunt seat in Lubbock. Hunt seat is a popular North American English riding style based on fox hunting traditions. It emphasizes a forward, balanced, position suited for riding over fences and on the flat (walk, trot, canter). It focuses on a long, low and natural frame for the horse, with competition categories including hunters (judging the horse) and equitation (judging the rider). Classes at Zones are broken down as follows: Introductory, Pre-Novice, Novice, Limit, Intermediate, Open and Alumni.
Natalia, the 19-year-old young lady who had never shown a horse before coming to Macomb, placed fifth in her class in the Introductory level competition. Not high enough to qualify for Nationals, but nonetheless, the thrill of a lifetime.
Loren, as Natalia’s coach, also had to meet certain requirements. Coaches must be 21 years of age, carry liability insurance, hold certifications, be trained in first aid and have a strong, proven reputation in horsemanship.
Throughout the year, Dimmitt takes the WIU Equestrian Show Team to various shows for both practice and point earning, such as Black Hawk College, Kansas State, Truman State and Missouri State. Natalia was in good company at Lubbock as competitors were there from such schools as Black Hawk, Purdue, Missouri State, Illinois State, Kansas State, Kansas University, Montana State, Butler University, Indiana University, Iowa State, North Dakota State, Northern Illinois University, Northwestern University, Southern Nazarene, St. Mary of the Woods, Tarleton State and host Texas Tech. WIU helps the local team by paying for lodging, travel and entry fees, as well as a coaching stipend for Loren.
Nationals will be held May 1-3 at Tyron International, an equestrian facility at Mill Spring, NC.
Natalia’s ride at Zones only lasted a short while, but for her it was a childhood dream come true. Her success is no doubt a reflection of the fine instruction she has received from Loren Dimmitt. The Western Illinois University Equestrian Show Team is likely a group that many Macomb residents didn’t even know existed, but now that a member has reached an unprecedented level of competition, perhaps the squad will get more coverage and recognition.
As for Natalia Szwajnos, her grandma back home in Downers Grove is her biggest fan and supporter.
Grandma hopes, however, that Natalia stays focused on her dreams of becoming a veterinarian; however, she fully supports her granddaughter’s love for horses. Summer will find Natalia in Macomb, at White Pine Farm for certain, taking more lessons from Loren and basking in the afterglow of her history-making ride for WIU.
