Freshman Orientation Has Begun!

Today is the start of freshman orientation. Their first stop is at the barn to do their placement ride to determine where they need to be placed in the lesson program. Their next stop is check in on campus, finding their room and unpacking. This afternoon there are several orientation activities planned which culminate with the Opening Convocation and a picnic with President Baldasare by the lake.

Tomorrow the Drew Crew leads orientation, students have their IDs made, the honor students have their first official meeting with Dr. Neal Bushoven, and the day ends with karaoke and an ice-cream social. Saturday academic advising begins and is also a time for students to get to know their suite mates. Sunday there are a few fun events planned including barn orientation for all new equestrians. Monday is reserved for more advising and classes start Monday evening.

Welcome to the newest St. Androids!

Matt Arrigon Hired as IHSA Hunter Seat Coach

Welcome Matt Arrigon from Lynchburg, Virginia is our new head coach for the IHSA Hunter SeatTeam. Matt graduated from Miami of Ohio University with a degree in Management and Business. Matt grew up in his parents’ horse business at Beckett Run Farm in Hamilton, Ohio. After graduation he worked professionally in the horse industry in Ohio until accepting the Head Coach position at Lynchburg College in 2008. During his four years at Lynchburg he coached many riders to Zone IV championships and IHSA nationals individual reserve champions. Additionally he operated his own Ashmont Stables, LLC. with his partner Ashley Lovegrove and coached clients to numerous championships at USEF shows. Matt brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience to St. Andrews and is ready to help our riders advance and continue our winning way.

Kelsi Peterson Returns to SAU as Show Team Coach

Kelsi Peterson returns to SAU as Show Team Coach. She is a St. Andrews graduate who majored in Psychology with a minor in Equine Studies and competed on the IHSA Hunter Seat Team, the ANRC Team, and the Show Team and served as Riding Council President during her four years at St. Andrews. Since graduation, Kelsi has worked for Troy Hendricks at Kimber-View Farm in Pennsylvania as a manager, trainer, and instructor. In the fall of 2010 she had the opportunity to start her own business operating out of Black Gable Farm in Maryland. She has a broad and talented client base, training in both hunters and jumpers, and taking them to shows in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Additionally she starts and brings along young horses and has recently been active in the Breeding Divisions at such major shows as Upperville and Devon. We are excited to have Kelsi back home with us and know that she will be a great addition to our equestrian family.

Kelsi can be reached at: petersonk@sapc.edu

Meet the Sansburys!

Meet Jennifer and Jeremy Sansbury from Taylors, SC. They are joining the equestrian staff beginning in the fall of 2012. Jennifer will be serving as the Associate Barn Manager working at the lesson and western barns and Jeremy will be serving as the Assistant Facility Manager working closely with Dale and Bobby.

Jennifer graduated from Lander University with a degree in Early Childhood Education and taught first grade before working as a barn manager and coaching the Coastal Carolina University Equestrian Team. She recently served as the volunteer barn coordinator at IHSA Nationals in Raleigh this May.

Jeremy graduated from Francis Marion University with a degree in Criminal Justice. He served in the United States Marine Corps and has worked as a Production Manager for Pro-Fab Inc. and as the Technical Manager for Anderson Farms. Jeremy brings a tremendous amount of mechanical and technical training as well as leadership skills to the equestrian program. We are excited to have both Jennifer and Jeremy as part of the equestrian family.

Marsha Retires

Marsha Toyne Retires After 10 Years of Service to the Equestrian Program

 Marsha has been the organizer who has kept the Equestrian Center running smoothly as well as the first St. Andrews “voice” many equestrians and their families have heard. Her ability to coordinate all aspects of the program and to always know where each person is and what they are doing has been astounding. She did the travel arrangements for all the team travel as well as recruiting and conference travel arrangements. Her spreadsheets of who was going where, how they were getting there, where they were staying and when they were leaving and returning was mind boggling. Handling all the bills and invoices for the entire equestrian program was a daunting job which she handled beautifully. Additionally, Marsha served as the IHSA Regional Points secretary for all the years that St. Andrews has been the President College for IHSA Zone 4—that in itself is several file cabinets full of paperwork! Marsha consistently went above and beyond expectations for the good of the program and the students. For years she was here for every event hosted at the Equestrian Center and she travelled with the teams to countless away events. She has been a friend of the students, the staff, and many parents who have had questions or concerns about their children as well as Peggy’s right hand and advisor. She will be greatly missed! Marsha is at home and would love to hear from you.

Her mailing address is Marsha Toyne, 12421 Richardson Road, Laurinburg, NC 28352 and her email is:

toynemar@sapc.edu

 Audrey Hayden from Montclair, Virginia will be taking over the reins as the Equestrian Program Operations Manager. Audrey is a St. Andrews graduate with a degree in Business Management. Since graduation she has been working for the EMO Agency, Inc. in Warrenton, Virginia as a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Agent. Audrey’s organization skills, attention to detail, knowledge of the equestrian program and IHSA, and excellent communication skills are attributes which make her a great fit for this position.

Audrey can be reached at her office email address: haydenac@sapc.edu.