Oak Park High equestrian club riding high after just a few months

HORSING AROUND—Members of the Oak Park equestrian club are all smiles during a recent riding competition. The club was started a few months ago by freshman Leah Gunn. Oak Park High School's equestrian club is only a few months old, but the group has already distinguished itself. The club is in ninth place among 78 teams after only three competitions in the Interscholastic Equestrian League of Los Angeles.

Junior Camille Fagan is the overall novice division champion, and freshman Leah Gunn holds second place in the freshman equitation division.

Agoura and Westlake high schools also have equestrian teams.

The Oak Park club has about 16 members, eight of whom lease, own or have access to a horse. One student competes at the varsity level, three in junior varsity and two in the freshman division. Their Oak Park uniform features the slogan "Get over it."

The group also organizes nonriding activities. Members visited a therapeutic horse program and will volunteer for a local horse rescue organization. Other plans include holding a fundraiser to benefit a group that rescues thoroughbreds from slaughterhouses. The club meets at school during lunch on Thursdays.

When Leah, 14, began high school last August she asked about starting an official Oak Park High equestrian team. She learned that the school couldn't provide the needed funding, so instead she formed an extracurricular club and became president. She had support from new principal Andi Mallen, a former equestrienne herself.

Mallen, who serves as club adviser, commended Leah for her leadership.

"Parents have been most supportive, helping to arrange everything from competitions to service projects to group rides and to the design and coordination of spirit wear for the girls as well as for the horses," Mallen said. "The club welcomes any level of horse involvement, from the seriously competitive and show rider to the casual weekend rider."

Leah has had a lifelong passion for horses that began when she was 6 and watched a television show about a horse named Clip Clop.

Said Leah, "It was an informational movie probably geared more toward older kids. They described all the things horses could do, and as soon as movie was over I said, 'Mom, can I have a horse?' She said, 'Let's see if you're still interested later.'"

Six months later Leah started riding lessons and continued on and off for the next six years. At 10 she began riding competitively, learning how to jump, navigate turns and develop a style.

"I've heard that if you unlock a horse's heart it will never close again," Leah said. "If you earn the horse's trust it will always trust you."

Leah owns two horses: Dancer, a quarter horse/Palomino cross, and Conlee, a thoroughbred. Dancer lives on a Westlake ranch and is ridden recreationally by Leah. Conlee is boarded at Elvenstar stables in Moorpark and is the horse Leah rides in competition.

Caring for the horses taught Leah responsibility at a young age.

"I love the fact that you and the animal work together to get something done," Leah said. "The horse is connecting with you; otherwise, you can't really ride it successfully."

Leah also learned the importance of communicating using body language and tone of voice rather than words.

"You're dealing with an animal, so you have to be so in tune with them. They can't tap you on shoulder and say they don't feel good," Leah said. "Riding can teach you so much about who you are."

Leah's goal is to develop the school club so that it continues after she graduates in four years. She plans to speak to incoming high school students at Medea Creek Middle School each year to generate interest in the club.

"Being on an equestrian team is really rewarding," Leah said. "I have a lot of friends whose lives also center around horses. I realized that my stepping up would benefit a lot of people around me."

Leah's, mother, Lori, hopes her daughter and teammates are successful.

"Clearly there is a lot of talent on this team along with a passion for horses and the positive impact they have on the girls," Lori Gunn said.