Saddling up for success: Georgia Southern Equestrian uncovers athletic talents while fulfilling childhood dreams
What do the Georgia Southern Wildlife Center, Equestrian Team and Parker College of Business all have in common? Spring 2026 graduate Kirsten Smith.
As a young girl growing up in Loganville, Georgia, just south of the Gwinnett County line, Smith was introduced to horse riding by a family member.
“Being an animal lover for as long as I could remember, I have wonderful memories of riding horses. It got me out of my comfort zone, it allowed me to discover a new side of myself,” she recalled.
Smith said that being an athlete wasn’t always something she considered doable. Struggling with hand-eye coordination, she felt as though there were too many barriers to participating in team sports.
Even when the opportunity to participate in a collegiate Equestrian team arose, those years of self-doubt almost proved too strong.
“When I came to Georgia Southern, I wasn’t sure that I was capable of balancing classes and extracurricular activities,” Smith said. “I missed the deadline to try out for the Equestrian Team, but my mom encouraged me to reach out to the coaches anyway.”
That single decision would shape the next four years of her undergraduate experience.
“I was welcomed onto the team freshman year despite the late start. Being on the team helped me find most of my friends here. I even met my roommate through the Equestrian Team. A lot of the members chose Georgia Southern because of the incredible opportunity to be part of this sport,” Smith followed.
Founded in 1993, the Equestrian Team, a club sport at Georgia Southern, allows riders to compete throughout their college career, regardless of riding level. The team moved to Evermore Farm in Brooklet, Georgia in 1998. Students compete through the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) equestrian program which allows riders to participate in the sport without the higher cost of horse ownership.
“Eleanor Ellis, the owner and head trainer of Evermore Farm, has multiple programs taking place on the property. Today, there are opportunities for riders as young as elementary school age to learn the importance of caring, showing and bonding with horses,” Smith explained.
Evermore Farm isn’t only the home base for the University’s Equestrian Team. It’s a place that values both horsemanship and mentorship for all ages.
Smith said, “Because it’s not unusual for Georgia Southern students to be on the premises at the same time as younger riders, we act as a kind of mentor, showing children how passionate and committed Georgia Southern’s Equestrian Team can be.”
According to Smith, horses provide a unique experience for every rider, often capable of detecting the slightest changes in emotions and behavior, while also providing a nonjudgmental and nurturing experience for each equestrian.
“We like to call them big dogs. They have big personalities, but are also all special in their own way. Horses help you become a better rider and a better person,” she explained.
As a double major in business administration and accounting, Smith understands that planning, preparation and passion go hand in hand. Along with succeeding in the classroom and athletically, during her time on campus, she also supported the Georgia Southern Center for Wildlife Education as a student assistant under the direction of Executive Director Steve Hein.
“I love working for Steve; he’s a fantastic director. The Wildlife Center has great volunteer opportunities for people older than 18, and it’s a great way to learn more about local wildlife while learning how to be a good steward of the environment,” Smith said.
Though her future will likely involve animal caretaking in some capacity, Smith isn’t finished with Eagle Nation just yet.
“I am looking forward to taking on a master’s in accounting through Georgia Southern’s online program and plan on building my career alongside my supportive mom, who has had a long career in office and accounting management, and inspired me to pursue a similar path,” she added.