Welcome to the UCLA Equestrian Team’s blog for the 2022-2023 school year! Throughout the next nine months, our site will be updated regularly with member interviews, show recaps, and more. We are so excited to be welcoming new and returning riders of all levels and backgrounds to our group. Everyone is looking forward to starting lessons this week, and to our competitions against USC and UCSD later in the quarter!
To kick things off, we interviewed 4th year neuroscience major Kalena Oorlog. Kalena is part of our competitive team and walk-trot-canters with ease through the pre-novice class. This year she is our acting treasurer, making sure the vendors (facility, judges, and horse fees) for our home show in February are paid and helping budget our funds. We are so thankful to have such an experienced and responsible member leading this charge!
Tell us a bit about your horse experience.
I had virtually no experience with horses prior to college, apart from a few guided trail rides over the years as a birthday present. My first ever official lesson was on the team during my freshman year, and I continued lessoning throughout the pandemic at a new barn when we were sent back home (for me, that's Arizona). Now I’m learning to jump! By the end of the year, I would love to do courses and gain confidence riding without stirrups at all gaits.
What is your favorite team memory?
There are literally too many to count. At the ASU show last year, the whole team stayed at my house. We had a blast roadtripping, roasting marshmallows, hanging out in the hot tub, and of course talking about horses. My roommates now are friends I've made because of the team, so I know we will make even more memories this year!
What does your dream horse look and ride like?
I like bigger horses, particularly draft crosses that are a bit uphill! My dream horse would probably be around 16-17 hands, dark bay or black, and responsive under saddle but not too forward. I need a more experienced teammate who could find the distances for me and be a trustworthy, dependable partner.
Describe the best ride you've had on an IHSA horse, in lessons or in the show ring.
My favorite ride was probably at the Arizona show last year when I won first on the horse I had broken my neck falling off of less than a year prior. It felt really powerful to be able to conquer that fear and have the whole team cheering me on. I never thought I would ride that horse again, so to do it in a show and do well was a great way to rewrite an unfortunate memory.
Thanks for letting us get to know you better, Kalena! You are a beloved member of the team and we look forward to seeing you kill it at all our shows this year.
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