Non-Traditional Students by Kacie Carter

I had the opportunity to interview some of the non-traditional students at St. Andrews to get a little bit of background on them and what drew them to the University.  I first heard back from Carey Andrews who was drawn to the Therapeutic Horsemanship Program that St. Andrew’s has to offer.  Having waited to go to college after High School due to family circumstances, Carey rents a small house about five minutes away from campus as her parents live in Morehead City, NC.  Carey enjoys the smaller campus that St. Andrews offers but admits that like some of the other, older, “non-traditional” students the age gap can be a bit of a struggle.  Being close to campus allows Carey to do work study at the barn as well as volunteer with the Ride-Like-A-Knight program which she finds very rewarding; she enjoys her riding lessons as well.

Rebecca Pacheco was my second interviewee and she sounds like she has her hands full but is really staying on top of the demands of being a non-traditional student.  After being accepted to both Campbell University and NC State University, Rebecca was encouraged to look into St. Andrews as an alternative and fell in love with the Equestrian program.  She is currently working on an Interdisciplinary Major incorporating Therapeutic Horsemanship, Psychology and Small Business Ownership.

While this is her first semester, I think she has the right positive attitude to make her school experience work.  Rebecca has quite the balancing act ahead of her as she states her biggest struggle being, “the delicate balancing act of full time employment, full time enrollment, a husband, 3 step-children, and a round trip commute of 2.5 hours”.  I look forward to hearing more about Rebecca’s future success!

Kacie, 8 years old with Hershey

Kacie with Cliff "my daily inspiration"
Photo permission Tobe Saskor

In my own instance, I was drawn to St. Andrews after several years of boarding horses in various situations that were just never up to par for me.  I grew up riding but once I left home, I also had to give up horses.  College at that time just wasn't an option for me.  To make a long story short, after spending years as a Registered Nurse, my husband and I decided that some day we wanted to be able to take care of our own horses and the best way to do that was with a proper education.  Every barn I visited, when I asked what their qualifications were for running the facility the most common answer was, “I've been around horses my whole life”.  I just decided that wasn't good enough for me.  If we were going to do this, I wanted to do it right.  After all, I owe it to my horses to take the best possible care of them.  And that is how I now find myself a senior in the Equine Business Management program.

I also had the pleasure of hearing back from Jennifer Almond, a fellow Senior, here at St Andrews.  She like many students was drawn to St Andrew’s for the Therapeutic Horsemanship Program and the partnership that St Andrew’s has with PATH International.  A native of Stanly County, Jennifer commutes over an hour each way to get to classes each day.  She enjoys taking riding lessons as they are helping her to learn more while getting more physically fit.  Like many of us that are a bit older, Jennifer, just like myself, sometimes finds it difficult blending in with the younger students.

Last but not least I had the pleasure of not just an email but a pleasant conversation with Niki Cox.  Another Therapeutic Horsemanship Major, Niki commutes from Fayetteville full time for classes while also maintaining full time employment.  Growing up in a small town south of Syracuse, NY, Niki grew up trail riding.  She has her Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and has spent the last 15 years working in the pharmaceutical industry.  A natural at working with others and a desire to help others learn was all it took to get Niki hooked after an opportunity to volunteer at a local Therapeutic Horsemanship Facility.  She has been a student at St Andrew’s since May of 2013.  One of her favorite parts is the Ride-Like-A-Knight program as it partners with county schools and the community to provide real world experiences.  Like most of us, Niki admits to struggling with the responsibilities of full time employment, school, being a wife and a mother all at the same time.

While we may be a small part of the St Andrew’s Equestrian community, I think it’s nice to know that we are not alone in our efforts.  Sometimes, when you decide to go back to school as an adult, it can be hard especially if you feel like you are alone in what you are doing.  This has opened my eyes to show that there is more to the “Non-Traditional” Student than meets the eye.  So, if you happen to see one of us walking down the hall, or we are in your class, don’t be afraid to say hello or partner up with us in a group.  Just because we don’t live on campus doesn't mean that we don’t have a lot to bring to the table or years of experience to share.

A Military Friendly School
For five years St. Andrews University has been recognized as a Military Friendly School by Victory Media, the premier media entity for military personnel transitioning into civilian life. Victory Media recognizes schools that exhibit leading practices in the recruitment and retention of students with military experience. These schools have world-class programs and policies for student support on campus, academic accreditation, credit policies, flexibility and other services to those who served and their families. “Inclusion on the 2014 list of Military Friendly Schools shows St. Andrews University’s commitment to providing a supportive environment for military students,” said Sean Collins, vice president at Victory Media.

Alumni Review by Taylor Carroll & Mary Thomson

St. Andrews Equestrian Program has developed a superior learning environment for the those interested in expanding their equestrian knowledge both on and off the horse.  The program offers valuable experience about the many facets if the equestrian industry.  St. Andrews prepares its graduates to go out into the industry as knowledgeable horsemen  pursuing their desired careers  and is very influential in job placement after graduation.

After graduating in 2012,  Allie McGraw became Assistant Barn Manager of Cottonwood Farm in Vanceborro, NC and the Assistant Coach for the East Carolina University Equestrian Team. In 2013 McGraw became the head coach of the team. Along with being the Assistant Barn Manager at Cottonwood, McGraw is also an assistant for Laura Underhill Norment who owns Graham Place that is run out of Cottonwood Farm.  When asked about how St. Andrews was helpful in her job search McGraw answered, “St. Andrews creates lots of ties and networks with students and those in the horse industry. I rode in a clinic with Laura and did my summer internship at Cottonwood before graduating."  

Kate McAlinn graduated in 2008 with a B.A. in Business Administration with a Concentration in Equine Business Management.  Part of this program included a summer internship at Cornell Cooperative Extension for the Chemung County 4H program. Job duties included planning and running horse shows and overseeing the youth knowledge programs, horse bowl and hippology. She says that after graduation the St. Andrews network introduced her to Canadian Team rider, Harold Chopping. Kate worked at Harold’s Solo Show Stables for two years learning more about the horse industry. She says, "If it hadn't been for the stable management class and all the hands on experience, I would not have been able to be head groom and help keep the barn organized and running smoothly."  Currently McAlinn has her own business in Smithfield, NC called Sunchaser Equestrian LLC. "I am grateful for all the experience that St. Andrews has given to me leading me to where I am today" claims McAlinn.

After graduating in 2007 with a B.A. in Communications, Christina Kalinski talks about her journey since leaving St. Andrews. "Life after St. Andrews has been a marvelous adventure. Many of the doors I have walked through have been opened in some way, shape, or form by my experience, contacts, and techniques I developed at St. Andrews. After graduating I landed a dream job working and riding at a private "A" show/ sales barn. I rode all day long and learned a tremendous amount about all aspects of the business. I spent my summers in New York and my winters in the heart of the horse show world in Wellington, FL. The job continuously changed as I learned and experienced more. I was able to refine and define the skills I wanted to use in making myself the best professional I can possibly be. I have experienced several other wonderful job opportunities since St. Andrews and am currently working on the "A" circuit riding, teaching, and perusing my passion."

Heather Jackson Merrell is a recent St. Andrews graduate who has used the knowledge she gained at school to open her own private boarding facility. While at St. Andrews, Merrell majored in Therapeutic Horsemanship. She graduated in 2010, and in March of 2012 she opened Lone Tree Farm where she offers boarding, lessons, and sales. Merrell says that a degree from St. Andrews has helped her most with the business and legal aspects of running a barn. When asked what she missed most about St. Andrews she said, “I really miss the small community we had. It was so nice to be at a small campus where you knew everyone.”

Sami Cram graduated from St. Andrews in May of 2013 with a B.S. in Biology. Shortly after graduating she went to work for Kent Farrington, LLC. About working for Kent she said, “The job has given me the opportunity to work with the best horses, the best riders and to travel the world. The job has truly been a dream come true. I’ve been able to groom, ride and most importantly learn from the best.” Most recently Cram has been put in charge of marketing and sales which she thought might be a challenge as a Biology major. However, she said that other classes such as Sage and Senior Seminar helped her to be calm when presenting information to clients. Cram said, “St. Andrews is a major factor to the success I have had after graduating.”

While at St. Andrews, Cram was highly involved at the barn organizing horse shows, teaching some lessons, and being an ambassador for the team. She said that the staff is the best part about St. Andrews. “The people I met, the life lessons I learned, and the incredible support of my peers and the staff is something I will always have” she said. When asked what she missed most about St. Andrews Cram replied, “There are so many things I miss about St. Andrews. The staff, I would say, is the part I miss most... there are always smiling faces to be there for you whether it is school related or not. You gain a "family" when you attend St. Andrews.” Cram had some great advice for current and future students saying, “This world is a lot about who you meet and the impressions you make.”

Life as a Barn Manager at St. Andrews

Each year The History and Theory of Modern Riding class prepare a review of the previous year. This year Katie Ballard chose to report on the tasks and challenges that face the St. Andrews Barn Managers.



Mariann, Jennifer, Andrew, Kellie G & Kelly M. photo by Pebble Turbeville

Barn managers are the back bone of any barn. A barn the size of the St. Andrews Equestrian Program not only presents all the usual challenges that barn managers face but also the added challenges of multiple instructors, students that fit in their riding lessons around their class schedules, our resident Veterinarian Dr. Kellam and her interns, the stall cleaning and maintenance crew and the four farriers each on a different schedules; all of which creates an enormous challenge when it comes to keeping everyone informed as to the status of the 120 plus horses. In addition the barn managers teach the Stable Management Lab. and assist with other Labs and team practices.

Over the past week or so, I have had the chance to talk to each of the barn managers: Kellie Garrabrant (KG), Jennifer Sansbury (JS), Kelly Meehan (KM), Andrew Micheal (AM), and Mariann Stark (MS). 

Katie: What is your favorite/best thing about your job?

KG: Watching the freshmen come into St. Andrews and seeing them grow through the years. I also love to work outside which is basically where all my work is.

JS: I love everything! I work here because I love the horses and the learning environment. I love being around the horses all the time and being able to have my horse, Charlie Pops here. I really enjoy getting a chance to make a difference in the future of the students.

KM: I get to be around horses all the time. I also get to meet some very interesting people. I love being able to continue learning by being exposed to a huge variety of different experiences.

AM:  I like being able to work with willing students and watching them develop. I enjoy having consistent time off, a regular pay check and health care benefits.

MS: I really enjoy being able to learn new things, every day. I love being outside all day with the horses, learning new things and being able to pass the knowledge onto the students

Katie: What is difficult about your job?

KG: Communication is always a huge challenge. We also have a budget, so making every penny count is another ongoing task so that we provide the horses with excellent care while staying within our financial boundaries.

JS: Organizing the students to manage their time for lessons and work study. We depend on them to help us and when they don’t come to work as planned we have to pick up their slack.

AM: Scheduling and communication is a huge puzzle and it is easy to forget to tell someone something they really needed to know. We all have to work at improving communication on a daily basis.

MS: Communication and keeping an open line between the barn managers and other staff. If there is no open line, it is hard to be sure that the things we need done are done. Things change all of the time so even when you think you have shared something it may not be the most current information!

Katie:  What brought you to St. Andrews?

KG: I moved to NC from NJ to be nearer my parents. I actually applied to assist the Facility Manager. Peggy (Equestrian Program Director, Peggy McElveen) saw my resume and offered me a job taking care of the horses.

JS: I had lots of experience. I ran the barn at Coastal Carolina University before this as well as running my own barn with a boarding and lesson program so this was a natural progression for me.

KM: I loved working and learning from the barn managers when I was a student and I wanted to do the same for the current students.

AM: I started as a temporary employee when someone was out sick. I guess I did a good job as Peggy offered me a full time job.

MS: I was living in Laurinburg when an opening came available, Peggy called me and offered me the job.

Katie: In addition to horse care do you have any specific duties?

KG: I make the work schedule for staff and students and delegate specific duties to our barn team.

JS: The way the barn is set up makes it so we can all step up into each other’s job when needed. I run the Boarder Barn which includes the therapeutic horsemanship and dressage horses. Mariann helps me, but I work alone quite a lot.

KM: I order feed and am the go to person on Kellie G’s day off.

AM: I work on projects such as organizing the blankets and storage in the loft. I also fill in for Mariann as Vet Tech Liaison on her day off.

MS: I am the staff Vet Tech Liaison to the vet interns. I am in charge of doing the meds when the interns are not here.

Katie: Any funny or memorable stories you’d like to share?

KG: It was a few years ago, during the major snowstorm. None of the stall cleaners could get here so the staff did all the stalls. Anyone who could get to the barn pitched in to help clean stalls and take care of the horses. It was hard work but we made it fun.

JS: Early in my time here, I took the WhisperJet (a gas powered golf cart with a rather loud motor) out to watch one of the students ride Charlie Pops. Little did I know that it wouldn’t make it back to the barn after she was done riding. I had to push it back to the barn before Peggy saw me.

KM: I was working over the break with Liz Dulski, Heather Lee, and Mariann. I love the memory because we all got to know each other much better. It was also the break that Mosa, Heather’s dog, drug the deer leg out of the ANRC field!

AM: There used to be a therapeutic riding horse here named Chaco. I used to ride him up onto the shavings pile and it would be fun to have him sink into the pile before riding him out again. It was quite funny to watch.

MS: Not long after I started here one of the horses coliced. That day, I worked for fourteen hours, I learned a lot which really helped my confidence to grow. It was also the day I started becoming more involved in the veterinary part of the program.

Five different people from five different backgrounds all working towards a common cause. They work together as a team to make sure that the barns are safe for both horse and rider.

 

Preparing for the "Real'" World

Check out this interesting article about Senior Megan Nedow's experience as an Equine Business Major and how it has helped her prepare for life after graduation.

http://www.sapc.edu/PDF/2014/012014nedow.php

Kicking Off the Spring Semester 2014

It has been a wet or cold start to the spring semester, either wet or cold. Last week it was so cold Scotland County schools were operating on a 2 hour delay. Then it warmed up and rained and the fields at the equestrian center are soaked with lots of standing water. We kicked off the lesson program with Monday lessons on Friday to ensure that we will fit in 10 lessons on Mondays. With all the horse shows we host on the weekends it is hard to fit in lessons and also give the horses a day or two to recover after our big IHSA shows. In addition we are hosting Western Semi-Finals in March which is a big deal and will require a significant amount of planning and preparation.

January is not too busy with no home shows on the calendar. This Friday is team tryouts for new students and RLAK volunteer training. Nice to ease back into the craziness gradually. Come February we will be going full blast!

Highlights of 2013

January

• Equestrian program participates in the Martin Luther King day of service
• Scrimmage or Head to Head with University of South Carolina Gamecocks for IHSA Western & Hunter Seat teams.

February

• Snow Globe dressage show at the Equestrian Center. Lindsey Agaliotis and Kristen Parker qualify for IDA Nationals.
• Hunter Seat and Western team win their Regions and qualify for Zones.

March

• Our online store opens
• Ten students attend the PATH Intl. Region 3 conference in Hilton Head, SC
• Jeremy and Jennifer Sansbury welcome Greer to their family
• Several students qualify for IHSA Zones as Individuals at Regionals hosted by St. Andrews
• IHSA Western team wins the Zone and qualifies for Nationals
• Host first Easter Egg Hunt at the Equestrian Center

April

• IHSA Hunter Seat team wins the Zone for the first time in our program’s history
• Alumni weekend brought St. Androids from 2002 to town and a trail ride at the Equestrian Center
• Lindsey Agaliotis earns 3rd at first level and Kristen Parker 7th at Introductory level at IDA Nationals Mt. Holyoke College in MA.

May

• IHSA Western team Reserve National Champions!
• IHSA Hunter Seat team 8th
• Horses ship to camp

June/July/August

• Horses at camp, projects worked on, staff vacation and travel time, getting ready for the new school year. Horses come home early August.

September

• Josh Dazey represents Ride-Like-A-Knight and Scotland County at Special Olympics in Raleigh with Red Ted and Quinn
• IHSA Team place 5th at Tournament of Champions Invitational at Randolph College

October

• First ever back-to-back IDA dressage shows at St. Andrews
• Show team travels to Carolina Starz and Greensboro horse shows

November

• Students and staff attend Path International National Conference in Orlando, FL
• Showing Under the Stars – Halloween Edition!
• Scottish Pilot Club donates helmets to Ride-Like-A-Knight

December

• Ride-Like-A-Knight joins Amazon Smile program
• Horse Illustrated publishes an article featuring advice from Carla Wennberg and photos by Pebbles Turbeville