University of Guelph Ontario Equestrian Team

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.

Finals Day 2!

Intermediate + Entry U/S & O/F.
Good luck to everyone riding today !

Finals Day 1!

Open + Novice U/S & O/F
Good luck to everyone riding today, roll gryphs!

We are beyond proud of every single rider on this team for the dedication, hard work, and unwavering support shown all season long. This team is built on commitment, passion, and the way riders continue to lift each other up, something truly special to be a part of

Best of luck to all our qualifying riders at finals this weekend:
OPEN:
Melanie Weinstein U/S & O/F
Kayla Brickus U/S & O/F
Nyla Wulfers Joyce U/S & O/F
Kate Gurowka U/S
INTER:
Rachel Bennet U/S
Becky De Kleer O/F
Sabrina Feeny U/S
Chloe Withrow U/S
NOVICE:
Allison McHattie U/S & O/F
Willow U/S & O/F
Grace U/S & O/F
Lily U/S & O/F
ENTRY:
Bianca Bencal U/S
Rachael Allen U/S & O/F
Alyna Shahrukh U/S & O/F
Gabrielle Heller O/F

Can’t wait to see everyone this weekend!❤️

Celebrating Women in Sports today and every day 🤍🐎

So proud to be part of a sport that empowers, supports, and uplifts women both in and out of the ring. From teammates to coaches to competitors, we’re grateful to be surrounded by strong, driven women who inspire us to be better every day.

Here’s to the hard work, the teamwork, and the passion that keeps us moving forward!

Game day!

UGET is headed to our next OCEA show tomorrow, hosted by at .

We’re bringing fresh energy, clean rounds, and a little extra show-day glow. ✨🧖‍♀️

See you there, Gryphs!

We’re absolutely obsessed with these photos from the last show hosted by , beautifully captured by 🤍🐎

Such a great day filled with strong rides and team spirit. We can’t wait to see everyone again this weekend!