University of Guelph Ontario Equestrian Team

CALLING ALL ENTRY RIDERS

Due to the high level of interest in our Entry division this year, we will be holding a video round prior to our in-person tryouts.

Videos must be submitted by Saturday, August 22nd at 11:59 PM and should include:

• Flat work at all three gaits — walk, trot & canter
• Over-fences work, including a course of at least 18” or higher
• No-stirrup work, if you are able to safely demonstrate it
• A clear representation of your current riding ability

Riders selected to move forward to the in-person tryout will be notified by email with further information.

If you are not selected to move forward from the video round, your tryout fee will be fully refunded.

This additional step is being implemented specifically due to the number of Entry riders interested in trying out this season and the number of riders we are able to safely accommodate at our in-person tryout.

Thank you so much for your understanding and cooperation. We are so excited to see everyone’s submissions and wish everyone the best of luck!

Every season brings new friendships, unforgettable memories, and opportunities to grow, both in and out of the ring. Today, Grace Rice shares why UGET has been such an important part of her university experience over the past three years.

Being on UGET for the past three years has been such a special and important part of my time at university. I love this team because from year one I have made so many amazing memories, connections, and friends, along with being able to continue riding throughout the school year. Aside from the great experiences, such as finals and team events, I have got to witness success and growth from all the girls I may not have met otherwise.

Leaving for university doesn’t have to mean leaving the equestrian community behind. Today, Kathleen Hesson shares how UGET helped her continue doing what she loves while building lifelong friendships along the way.

One of the hardest parts of leaving home for university was not being around horses every day. That’s why trying out for this team was so important to me.

I was hoping it would give me the opportunity to stay connected to the sport I love, learn new things, and meet new people, and it did exactly that!

Joining this team has been one of the best decisions I’ve made during my time at university, and I’m so excited for another year with such an amazing group of riders and ponies!

Every rider has their own story, and every experience is unique. Today, our Co-Captain, Bianca Bencal, shares what being part of UGET has meant to her and why it has become one of the most meaningful parts of her university experience.

UGET has been one of the most meaningful parts of my university experience. It has given me friendships, memories, and opportunities that I never expected when I first joined the team.

Through UGET, I’ve grown not only as a rider, but also as a teammate, a leader, and a person. Some of my favourite memories have come from time spent at the barn, travelling to horse shows, and celebrating every milestone alongside my teammates. The support, encouragement, and sense of community within this team are what make it so special.

As I begin my year as Co-Captain, I’m incredibly grateful for everything UGET has given me. My hope is that every new rider who joins our team feels the same sense of belonging that I did.

Thinking about trying out for UGET?

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing what UGET means to the riders who make our team what it is. From lifelong friendships to unforgettable memories, every rider has a different story, but one thing stays the same: UGET is so much more than just a team.

First up is our Co-Captain, Ally McHattie, sharing what UGET has meant to her.

The UGET has been so much more than just a team to me. It has been a family. The people I’ve met and the relationships I’ve built with my teammates have made my university experience unforgettable. Through UGET, I’ve learned more than I ever thought possible, both about riding, horsemanship and myself. It has opened doors to opportunities I never would have had otherwise and pushed me to grow in ways I never expected. As I finish my final year, I’m incredibly grateful for every experience, lesson, and memory. The family atmosphere and support from my teammates are what I’ll miss the most, and I know the impact UGET has had on me will stay with me long after graduation!

Hey Gryphons!

Our 2026–2027 OCEA tryout date is officially live.

Date: Tuesday, September 8th, 2026
Location: Old Orchard Farm
12386 Nassagaweya, Moffat, ON

This year we will be using a new one-day tryout format:
Morning: Entry & Novice
Afternoon: Intermediate & Open

The tryout form is now live. The deadline to submit the form is August 15th, 2026 to allow us time to prepare.

If you are unsure of your division qualification, please refer to the division chart in this post, on our website, or on the OCEA website. Division eligibility will be checked and EC proof will be required.

Tryout fees will be collected closer to the date to avoid missed payments. Cost will be approximately $60.

Watch for more information coming soon, we can’t wait to see everyone this fall.

Introducing your 2026–2027 Co-Captains: Ally McHattie & Bianca Bencal!

We are both so incredibly excited to take on this role this season and continue building on everything that makes this team so special. We can’t wait to bring new ideas, continue growing our team culture, and support each and every rider both in and out of the ring.

We’re so grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait for everything ahead. See you all at tryouts this fall.

May is Brain Cancer Awareness Month🩶

Our team would like to take a moment to share the story of one of our fellow riders and members of the Guelph equestrian community, Varielle Wallace, who has recently been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumour.

Varielle is a first-year Equine Management student at the University of Guelph, a dedicated rider, and someone who has had a lifelong dream of becoming an equine veterinarian. Her passion for horses and the sport has always been so evident, and she has made such a positive impact on everyone around her.

During this incredibly difficult time, her parents are by her side in the hospital, and our hearts are with Varielle and her family. If you are in a position to offer support, it would be deeply appreciated. If not, simply keeping them in your thoughts and prayers, and sharing this message to raise awareness, means more than words can express.

Link in bio.

Finals 2026!

We are so incredibly thankful for everyone who put in the time, effort, and energy this weekend to make this show what it is. It truly takes so much behind the scenes, and it does not go unnoticed.

A huge thank you to Linda and everyone at Old Orchard for all of your support throughout the season, we are so grateful for everything you do for our team. Thank you as well to our captains for everything they do to keep our season running so smoothly, and to everyone who is part of UGET. This team is something so special.

We are so proud to have been both the High Point Team in our zone throughout the season and the High Point Team at finals 🤍

Final standings:

Open:
Mel — 2nd O/F, 7th U/S
Kayla — 5th U/S

Intermediate:
Kathleen — 6th U/S

Novice:
Ally — 1st O/F, Champion
Willow — 2nd U/S
Lily — 3rd O/F, 6th U/S, Reserve Champion

Entry:
Bianca — 1st U/S
Rachael — 5th U/S
Alyna — 3rd U/S
Gabrielle — 1st O/F, Champion

We are beyond proud of each and every one of our riders and everything we’ve accomplished together this season. We can’t wait for what’s ahead and are already looking forward to the 2026–2027 season.