Thank you for publishing the story “Equestrian dropped as varsity sport,” ( Jan. 4).
I am a 2009 alumna of Smith College and was devastated to hear about the decision to close down Smith’s barn, Fox Meadow Farm, and to change the equestrian team from a varsity sport to a club sport.
I appreciate that the story features different sides of the story, but one major part of the issue was not highlighted enough. The biggest change in this situation is that the current barn out of which the Smith equestrian program operates (Fox Meadow Farm) will be closed down. The folks that own the barn, Lori and Jay Quinlan, will be forced to sell the horses, lay off their staff, and cease operations all together.
While I was a student at Smith, I took lessons at Fox Meadow Farm and found immense value in my time there. Smith has always run an outstanding equestrian program.
Closing the barn would entail a major change to the opportunities available for students, staff and community members who also take lessons.
The decision to close the barn was made without consulting current students or alumnae. We would love if this part of the story was brought more closely to the forefront.
Sara Carlson
Austin, Texas