WHO WE ARE
The Ithaca College Club Equestrian Team was founded in the late 1990s. After establishing a firm base of riders, the team decided to partner with If Only Farm Equestrian Center, a local barn just twenty minutes away from campus. Since then, we have been able to offer consistent lessons, participate in IHSA competitions, and educate students about horsemanship.
Taking riding lessons is one of the many benefits of being a part of ICET. Riders of all levels are invited to try out and participate in weekly or bi-weekly lessons at If Only. If you would like to take lessons but are not interested in showing, you are still welcome to be a part of the team! If Only Farm provides quality lesson horses for those who have never ridden before as well as those who have years of experience with flatwork and jumping.
Our head coach, Audra Ravo-Putnam, graduated from IC in 2005. She serves as an excellent role model for the team and is known for her patient and encouraging style of teaching. Assistant Coach, Liza Bourdon, is also an IC alum. After graduating in 2017, Liza returned to If Only and began teaching lessons in the fall of 2019. Terry Spada is also a longtime instructor at If Only that helps coach riders of all levels. To learn more about our wonderful coaches, check out their bios in the “ICET Coaches” tab.
In addition to spending time at the stables, the team also organizes several other events outside of lessons to encourage bonding. Every semester, we have a “Barn Day” where we head out to If Only and help out with things such as managing the paddocks and cleaning up around the barn. We also have regular team dinners in which members are invited to spend time with each other. Fundraising is another important part of being on the team. Some examples of fundraisers we have had success with in the past include holding a car wash at a local gas station, providing baked goods at clinics and other events, and partnering with a restaurant to gain funds.
