The Horse America Made Helping Empow(HER): Saddlebreds Shaping Future Leaders at William Woods University

Photo by Avis

William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri is an educational institution that has been making an impact on the equestrian world for generations. This unique program has been combining and fostering future women leaders of the American Saddlebred for over fifty years. We are thrilled to share more about the Saddlebred Story of William Woods and the impact this Saddle Seat and Saddlebred focused equine studies program has had on our community and will have on the future of our breed. Enjoy what we learned from the leaders and students working with Saddlebreds to influence the next generation of equestrians!

William Woods was the first university in the United States to offer a four-year degree in equestrian science, William Woods has been the name to know in equestrian studies since 1924. The William Woods University programs strive to combine a strong theoretical foundation with the riding, teaching, training, and business skills students will need for a successful equine career as a trainer, teacher, or manager in the equine industry.

Sarah Track the Saddle Seat Applied riding instructor at William Woods currently leads the program.  In that role she teaches all of the Applied Saddle Seat Riding classes, Long Lining and Driving, Facility Management I and II, and lecture courses Foundations of Equestrian Teaching and Learning, Horse Management I and II, Saddle Seat Issues, and Saddle Seat Teaching Techniques II, III and IV.  Track herself is an alumnus of the program. She graduated from William Woods in 1998 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Equestrian Science and 2014 with a Master’s Degree in Education M.Ed. Since 2010, Track has been teaching at William Woods University. 

Pictured: Sarah Track by Avis

When asked what helps the equestrian studies students excel in the college experience and professional world Track said, “It is not unusual for our Equestrian students to be some of the best students on campus." Their ability to balance their love for horses and horsemanship with academics has helped them develop better time management skills to increase their academic success in all areas. In addition to those characteristics students with an American Saddlebred background standout because, “[they] are enamored with the breed as much as I am.  They appreciate the horse’s willingness, gameness, and adaptability to the many riders that they have the opportunity to teach.”  

When reflecting on how the program at William Woods has played a vital role in the Saddlebred Story of women who have and will influence the American Saddlebred she shares, “the William Wood’s curriculum is diverse and offers the students many opportunities to learn the many different aspects involved in the horse industry.” Whether the course focuses on training, management, health, or general facility operations strong communications and relationship development are required to be successful. 

“I would have to say that all of the riding classes are leadership classes.  Learning how to be the leader in the equine/human relationship can take many, many rides but is one of the strongest pieces of the curriculum at William Woods,” said Track.  The students have the opportunity not only to ride in their riding classes but “free-ride” every day outside of class and practice on their own. With this freedom comes responsibility and the opportunity to push yourself, helping young women flourish in their efforts to be better students, horsemen, and leaders.

Another two courses in the program that foster leadership skills in these young women and men are the courses, Horse Management I and II.

In these courses, the students take care of a string of horses for two semesters. These string assignments encourage students to take a leadership role in the health and welfare of the horses under their care.  Students are taught and tested on the very important areas of basic equine care such as how to bandage (standing bandage, wound bandage, and stack wrap) clip, show clip and body clip, clean a sheath, take vital signs and apply manual restraint techniques to the horses. 

When asked how this full horse management opportunity highlights and strengthens her student’s leadership skills Track said, “There is a significant amount of required one-on-one communication with instructors regarding management decisions for each horse. This includes but is not limited to feed management, exercise routines, veterinary care, and hoof care. These [decisions and problem-solving opportunities] are all ways for the students to become leaders in the stables and learn to lead by example by showcasing their caretaking skills to their classmates.” 

Many students may come to school already having exposure to many years of riding and caring for their American Saddlebreds, but it is the pride of the William Woods program to assure that these young women are prepared to be successful small business owners of equine operations. So in addition to the riding, training, instruction, and horse care they are also studying operations and learning the important areas of management required of an agribusiness owner. In Facility courses, the students learn how to drive the tractor, drag the arena, change a tire on the trailer, hook up the truck and trailer, and create a disaster plan for a barn (fire, flooding, and hurricane). Rounding out a full introduction to how to operate and maintain a working facility with over 150 horses in stalls.  

The commitment to and success of this institution to foster the education of American Saddlebred professionals and sharing the breed with others has brought many talents to the program. From top trainers, association leadership, horse show organizers, and every role in between William Woods’ alumni are making an impact. As an all women’s college until 1997 their development of horsewomen is especially notable.  When thinking of the program’s alumni list and their influence on the breed Track said, “There are so many amazing horsewomen who have come out of the William Woods program and it was run by the iconic equestrian Gayle Lampe from 1968-2010.

Women like; Sarah Byers, Janet Crampton, Renee Biggins, Kim Cowart, Betsy Webb, Sarah Kernan-Thompkins, Missy Hughes Smith, Tiffany Wheeler, Mary Orr, Allison Deardorff, Emily West, Claire Karst-Williamson, Emma Caruso, Savanna Miller, Amanda Aponte, Betsy Krutek, Anna Simpson, Brandi Bushard, Keen Behringer, Alex Gravett, Sarah MacKenna, Avery Scheurich, Julianne Rafferty, Heather Marchiafava, Sharon and Sandy Backer and Carrie Mortenson to name a few!!”

An amazing program, amazing women, and at the heart an amazing horse, that brings them all together. The driving force behind any of these institutional and individual accomplishments is the horse that influences and empowered these leaders past, present, and future.

In closing, Track shared how this breed has empowered her in her own life and given her the foundation for sharing them with others.  “The American Saddlebred horses have taught me so much it is hard to put into words. They have taught me perseverance, empathy, and responsibility.  They have given me love, listened to me when I am worried or sad, and make me laugh with their constant curious and gregarious nature, said Track.  “I am amazed at all of the things they will do for us and how enthusiastic they are as they do them.  I am blessed to be able to ride the American Saddlebred each time I step on and would not want any other equine partner.”

“My background with the American Saddlebred horse has helped me develop a strong sense of empathy for the horse.  The only time the horse gets out of the stall each day should be a time of learning and trust-building between horse and human said Track.  “I encourage my students to take the time to learn and study the horse’s body language, I work on the students and their ability to think critically about what is happening with their particular horse and how to problem solve riding/horse issues on the fly.  I appreciate each horse that has been donated to this program since I have been here as they have allowed me to share my experience with my students and help them learn how to manage the horse’s work routine and work out different management strategies for each horse.”

Student Saddlebred Story Spotlights:

Photo by Avis

Grace McFarland Senior Saddle Seat Student Palos Park, Illinois

What growth experiences as a WWU student through the Saddlebred meant for you as an instructor/trainer/mentor and horsewoman?

Working with all my friends who are also strong women making their way into the American Saddlebred industry.

How has your experience at WWU and with the Saddlebred influenced your career and ability to succeed in your field?

It has allowed me to become confident and independent before becoming a professional horseman.

What character traits do you see in the American Saddlebred that encourage personal empowerment in young riders?

The American Saddlebred horse is kind but can be challenging.  They are great for confidence building, intelligent, and super sweet.

What words of thanks would you say to American Saddlebred for what they’ve done for you as a woman in a personal/professional development capacity? 

I would give thanks to the horse for teaching me to become as resilient and confident as the breed is itself.

What would you tell parents about the positive impact possible for their daughters through American Saddlebred activities?

The horses are kind enough for the smallest riders but provide challenging and fun memories as they continue their riding journey

Photo by Allie Layos for Saddle & Bridle

Emily Rhodes Senior Saddle Seat Student Olathe, Kansas

How has your experience at WWU and with the Saddlebred influenced your career and ability to succeed in your field?

Coming from a Morgan background working with the American Saddlebred has broadened my horizons and knowledge with respect to how the different breeds think and the different industry aspects

What character traits do you see in the American Saddlebred that encourage personal empowerment in young riders?

The American Saddlebred is a fun breed that are intelligent and allow me to gain knowledge and confidence in my riding.

What words of thanks would you say to American Saddlebred for what they’ve done for you as a woman in a personal/professional development capacity?

Thank you for broadening my horizons and overview and expanding my skill set and training and teaching ability

What would you tell parents about the positive impact possible for their daughters through American Saddlebred activities?

It is a strong community filled with strong women who are willing to teach and learn from one another.

Ashley Jeppesen Junior Saddle Seat and Pre-Vet Student Toronto, Canada

How has your experience at WWU and with the Saddlebred influenced your career and ability to succeed in your field?

Being exposed to the veterinary aspect and shadow the veterinarian and learn about the ASB and how they are different from other breeds

What character traits do you see in the American Saddlebred that encourage personal empowerment in young riders?

Confidence, forgiveness, the horses are very forgiving and allow for learning opportunities

What words of thanks would you say to American Saddlebred for what they’ve done for you as a woman in a personal/professional development capacity?

Thank you for giving me the confidence, knowledge and exposure to them increasing my knowledge and pushing me forward in my pursuit of a veterinary career

What would you tell parents about the positive impact possible for their daughters through American Saddlebred activities?

Each one is different so they will gain a wide range of experience and learn and show the fabulous breed

Haylee Sheldon Sophomore Saddle Seat and Pre-Vet Student Hillsboro, New Jersey

How has your experience at WWU and with the Saddlebred influenced your career and ability to succeed in your field?

William Woods has given me veterinary experiences I would have never been able to have otherwise and more horse time with the Saddlebreds to learn and grow as a horse woman

What character traits do you see in the American Saddlebred that encourage personal empowerment in young riders?

Confidence, intelligence and personality plus in the ASB makes them the perfect horse to show and learn with.

What words of thanks would you say to American Saddlebred for what they’ve done for you as a woman in a personal/professional development capacity?

Thank you to the Saddlebred for helping me develop a confidence in myself that I never had before I began to ride, drive and show these amazing horses.

What would you tell parents about the positive impact possible for their daughters through American Saddlebred activities?

Their daughters will learn responsibility and build confidence in themselves that will help them throughout their lives

Faith Sorum Freshman Saddle Seat Student Edmond, Oklahoma

How has your experience at WWU and with the Saddlebred influenced your career and ability to succeed in your field?

It has given me more confidence around the American Saddlebred horses and helped me continue to grow through riding lessons and horse showing experiences

What character traits do you see in the American Saddlebred that encourage personal empowerment in young riders?

The American Saddlebred’s confidence, excitement and sweet demeanor allow young people to gain positive experiences through riding and showing

What words of thanks would you say to American Saddlebred for what they’ve done for you as a woman in a personal/professional development capacity?

Thank you for giving me a path into the future in the American Saddlebred industry through many lessons and positive learning experiences. 

What would you tell parents about the positive impact possible for their daughters through American Saddlebred activities?

They will teach responsibility, hard work and dedication.  It is easy to be dedicated to such a wonderful breed of horse.