The Purdue equestrian team recently achieved a historic milestone by winning its first national title at the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) championships. Under the leadership of head coach Kathryn Kraft, who took over in 2020, the team aimed to place in the top five for the first time since 1993. Their journey to the championship included winning ten regular season shows and excelling in zone competitions, ultimately qualifying among the top 16 teams from a pool of 400.

The equestrian program, founded in 1980, has fostered a strong sense of community among its members, providing a supportive environment for students like Nicolas LaPlante and Abby Talcott. The team trains on various horses to prepare for competitions, emphasizing adaptability and teamwork. Their hard work culminated in not only the team championship but also individual accolades, with two national champions and several top-five finishes.

Kraft hopes that the national title will attract more students to the equestrian program, highlighting the sense of family and community that defines Purdue University. The team’s success is seen as a testament to the dedication and camaraderie among its members, reinforcing the idea that the bonds formed through shared interests can significantly enhance the college experience.