Riding Together Through Teamwork, Competition, and Community
Dickinson’s equestrian team builds friendship, skill and community
by Alex Sonfield ’25
For members of Dickinson’s Equestrian Team, horseback riding is more than a sport—it is a source of friendship, growth and belonging. Founded in the 1930s and reestablished in 1995, the team has expanded from just a handful of riders to more than 25 students who share a love for horses and for each other.
The Equestrian Team welcomes all students, regardless of experience level. “Some people get frightened by the idea of requiring prior experience, but truly everyone is welcome,” says Maye Stichter ’26 (biology). “Whether you are interested in competing or not, it is a great way to learn something new.”
The team practices weekly at Heritage Acres Stables in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, under the guidance of coach Lindsay Vulich. Through Student Senate funding, Dickinson covers half the cost of lessons, offering students a rare opportunity to ride affordably at a liberal-arts college. Members carpool to the barn, tack up together and ride as a group, creating a close-knit environment both in and out of the ring.
Competition is available for those who wish to participate through the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA), through which Dickinson faces schools such as Bucknell, Penn State and Gettysburg. This year, the team earned Champion Team honors at its first show of the fall season, following a strong showing at Regionals and Zones last spring, where multiple riders placed in the top five.
Outside of competition, the team emphasizes community. Members host media days, social events and team dinners, as well as informal gatherings for studying and hanging out. “Those small moments—singing in the car on the way to the barn, grabbing coffee together, cheering after a round—are what make the team so special,” says Stichter.
The support riders find on the team has had a lasting impact. “I grew up riding horses my entire life and was nervous I wasn’t going to have that community in college,” says Stichter. “But there is not a day that goes by where I don’t reflect on how grateful I am for my team, coach and teammates.”
The Equestrian Team continues to foster confidence, camaraderie and a sense of home for its members. Students of all experience levels are encouraged to join and share in the team’s welcoming spirit.
The team practices weekly at Heritage Acres Stables in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania. Follow @dickinsonequestrian on Instagram for updates and photos.
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Published October 27, 2025