UC Elementary Education student is serious about horsing around

An internet search brought Roberts-Rosser to the University of Cincinnati Equestrian Team, a semi-varsity sport dedicated to promoting horseback riding at the collegiate level. “It took me a long time to sign up. I was really nervous because I didn't have any true formal experience,” she says.  “But I was like, you know what, Kendyll? Be brave. I think I had probably ridden maybe five times in my entire life at that point, but I signed up, did the whole tryout process and made the team.”

Roberts-Rosser began training with the Western team at the Saddle Lake Equestrian Center in Camp Springs, Kentucky, and her bravery paid off immediately, as she took second place at her very first Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) show. “It works in a catch-ride system,” she explains. “You basically just put your name in a pot, then they pull it out and say, you're on this horse. You don't have the advantage of being on a horse that you have known for 10 years, so it really displays your skills as an equestrian and as a horse person.”

During her sophomore year, Roberts-Rosser made it to the IHSA semi-finals, where she placed eighth. She also rides on the Hunt Seat team and, over her years in the club, has started jumping as well.

“Kendyll and her team members are the most dedicated athletes I know,” says Kelli Jette, associate professor in UC's School of Education and faculty advisor to the club. “Being an equestrian team member means not only caring about your own training and excellence, but also requires attention to the health, safety and management of horses.”

“I'm the type of rider who started from having no skills,” she says. “And now here I am jumping cross rails and all the things. If you put your time and your effort into it, you can gain the skills necessary to go far, whether it's in competition or just at home for fun.”

Now in her fourth year with the UC Equestrian Team, Roberts-Rosser today serves as the president of the club and is grateful for the skills the experience has given her. “I've learned a lot of interpersonal skills and have learned what it takes to manage a club—especially a club that deals with living, breathing animals and people who may or may not have skills yet.”

“Every participant led by Kendyll's example, under the tutelage of Coach Missy Joe Hollingsworth, is responsible for more than themselves—they are also committed to the team and the animals,” says Jette. “They are responsible for advancing the mission of the University of Cincinnati's equestrian presence, impact and outreach throughout the region and nation at a highly competitive level.”

Roberts-Rosser is also thinking ahead to graduating from the Elementary Education program and how her experience can help determine professional aspirations. “My background's in outdoor education, so I really enjoy that,” she says. “I currently work in a Montessori, so I'm thinking of getting my master's in Montessori education and going into a traditional classroom, but more with a Montessori approach.”

For now, though, she’s encouraging students who are interested in horses to check out the club’s Instagram account to see what it’s all about. “Then the next step I'd say is get involved.”