University of Guelph OCEA Team
Welcome to the team
About Us
The University of Guelph OCEA team is a competitive club team that competes as a part of the Ontario Collegiate Equestrian Association. We compete in the West Zone and travel to local shows around Guelph. We ride out of Old Orchard Farm in Moffat, Ontario, where we have the opportunity to train under the amazing Linda Hale.
The OCEA is an accessible show circuit for university students and recent alumni. Horses are donated to every competition, and riders are judged based on their equitation and ability to adapt to new horses.
Our team is a close group of twenty riders who all share a love for horses and competing. Aside from competition, the University of Guelph OCEA team fosters a positive and inclusive environment where lifelong friendships can be formed!
Meet your 2023-2024 Team
Tryouts
How it Works
- We run in-person tryouts at Old Orchard Farm. Tryouts for the 2024-2025 season are scheduled for early September. Every rider will be randomly assigned to two different horses, one for jumping and one for flat. Riders are judged on their position, and ability to adapt to a new horse. The top five riders in every division are selected for the team.
OCEA Division Qualifications
- Using the qualification chart you can determine which division you are eligible for by referencing your show requirements. If you have specific questions regarding division qualifications, or would like someone to confirm your eligibility please email us!
How to Register
- To register for tryouts you must complete the tryout form by the deadline and pay your tryout fee of $45. This fee goes towards the farm's time and use of their school horses. You must tryout in-person to be eligible for the team.
FAQ’s
What should I wear to tryouts?
We don’t expect riders to wear formal show attire for tryouts (show jackets certainly not required), but it is recommended that riders to show up for tryouts looking polished and put together. Think clinic-type attire (neutral breeches and a collared shirt).
Is there anything I should bring to tryouts?
Some snacks and drinks are provided at tryouts, but we recommend that riders bring a lunch and water bottle – tryouts usually start early in the morning and could run until mid-afternoon depending on the number of riders trying out. No need to bring anything extra to tryouts, other than your boots and helmet!
What day/time do lessons take place?
We always ensure that lesson schedules don’t conflict with any of our riders’ class schedules, so not to worry! The team lesson schedule isn’t finalized until we have the roster selected and all team member’s class schedules to ensure our athletes can also focus on their studies.
All OCEA Team lessons take place during the week (sometime from Monday to Thursday), typically during the morning or early afternoon.
Team Highlights
2022-2023
University of Guelph -
Overall High Point Team
Tianna Barber -
Overall High Point Rider
OVERALLS
Open Divison
Natalie Pridham - 5th
Morgan Briggs - 6th
Erica Plivelic - 8th
Intermediate Division
Maeve Powis - 3rd
Sydney Drizis - 7th
Lisanne Fulton - 9th
Novice Division
Tianna Barber - 1st
Emma Hill - 2nd
Sophie Stempowitz - 7th
Entry Division
Maya Hollingstead - 3rd
Paige Hoadley - 5th
Sophie Plourde - 6th
Tiana Tmykiv - 7th
2023-2024
University of Guelph -
WEST ZONE High Point Team
OVERALLS
Open Divison
Erica Plivelic - 1st
Maeve Powis - 3rd
Sydney Drizis - 7th
Intermediate Division
Jessie Pearson - 1st
Melanie Weinstein - 2nd
Rachel Bennett - 5th
Kayla Brickus - 6th
Novice Division
Rebecca Mullin - 5th
Sophie Stempowicz - 6th
Daisy King - 8th
Entry Division
Willow Newman - 2nd
Natalie Zuccarello - 3rd
Allison McHattie - 4th
Sophie Plourde - 6th
Isabella Pocock - 7th
Useful Links
2024/25 Tryout Forms Coming Soon
Contact Us
universityofguelphoceateam@gmail.com
Instagram: guelphequestrianteam
Facebook: University of Guelph Ontario Equestrian Team
Tik Tok: uofguelphequestrian