Parents and high school students will want to check out this episode of Cowboy Office as Brian & Jody talk to Oklahoma State University Equestrian Team coaches Larry Sanchez & Laura Brainard. You might be surprised to learn that your riding skills aren’t the main focus of collegiate recruitment. Riding skill may catch their attention, but another characteristic may cost you a place on their team.
At the Cowboy Office Today:
Larry Sanchez

OSU Equestrian Team Head Coach since 1999

5 National Championships
8 Big 12 Conference Championships


Former coach at New Mexico State University

2 National Championships


AQHA Judge
ABRHA Judge

Laura Brainard

OSU Reining & Horsemanship Coach
Former coach at Baylor and Georgia
NRHA Judge

With OSU’s extensive win record, you might be tempted to think it’s all about winning. But the coaches know that winning at all costs today will take a toll on their team’s future. They focus on the “person over the player approach, because we believe, and we’re finding more and more that character drives the process, which ultimately drives the result.”
This is why they look at more than a rider’s skill on horseback when recruiting. They focus on character by watching how the prospective student interacts with coaches, parents, and fellow competitors. They also take a look at how they handle winning and losing; a bad attitude or disrespectful behavior raises a red flag for this experienced team of coaches.
Tips for parents of potential collegiate equestrians:

Keep records of income and expenses related to showing for NCAA compliance
Understand that college sports is different, you’ll need to trust the coach even if you don’t understand the “whys”
College recruitment can begin June 15 leading into their junior year
It’s not just riding, attitude and behavior impact recruitment

Interested in becoming a coach?

Student or volunteer coach for a year to see the whole picture
If possible, participate in the field as an athlete to better understand and see the process through their eyes
If coming from outside the collegiate industry, be prepared for a steep learning curve as you dive into NCAA regulations and learn how to coach a large team of equestrian athletes


RESOURCES:
Oklahoma State University: okstate.edu
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