LEXINGTON, Va. Oct. 25, 2023 — When a cadet is looking for a unique club experience at the Virginia Military Institute, the equestrian club might just be the perfect fit. David Hess ’24 explained that the club is best known for its blend of riding, training, and trail adventures.  

The VMI Equestrian Club attracts a diverse group of cadets. Some, like Hess, come from horse-related backgrounds, while others enter the equestrian world with no prior experience. At the heart of this club is Tish Vest, a dedicated horse trainer who leads the club.  

“She will work with anybody and teach you everything you need to know,” said Hess, the cadet in charge.  

Access to the equestrian club is made possible through Vest, who boards the horses, some of which belong to her, while others are owned by individuals who pay for their care at her barn.

Cadets, in return, provide a valuable service by riding and exercising these horses, ensuring their well-being.  

Saddling up to de-stress

For Hess, the equestrian club serves as a sanctuary from the rigors of academic life at VMI.  

“I love to get outside and go to the barn two to three times a week. It makes me feel like I'm at home,” he said.  

The stressors of everyday cadet life fade into the background as cadets interact with horses.  

“You truly do get to know the horses, and building a relationship with them is just like you do with a pet. It helps lighten your mood,” said Hess.  

The club's regular weekly meetings begin at the Washington Arch on Thursdays. From there, the group travels to Windhorse Farm, where they saddle up for the evening.  

Once at the farm, club meetings are kicked off by grooming the horses. This task tidies up the animals and deepens the connection between rider and horse.  

“The first thing you do is brush them down, and that does two things: it cleans up the dirt and debris before putting the saddle on, and it also formulates your bond with the horse,” said Hess.  

Once the horses are ready, the cadets determine their riding goals for the day — whether it be in the ring or a trail ride — all under Vest’s guidance. The practice lasts for about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes, after which the cadets return to the barn to care for the horses, removing saddles and brushing them again.  

No equestrian experience? No problem.  
 
For cadets interested in joining the equestrian club with no prior horseback riding experience, Hess emphasizes the club's welcoming and supportive atmosphere.  

“You don't have to have any gear,” he says, “everything you need is available at the barn.” 

Newcomers can contact Hess to arrange a visit.  

The introductory experience resembles learning to swim, where they will quickly acclimate to the horses, their size, and their temperament.  

“You just kind of throw them on the horse and it’s sink-or-swim,” he said. “You’ve just got to get on the saddle and learn the technique from there.”   
 
“A lot of people who haven’t been around a horse get intimidated,” he said. “But the more you’re around them and get to know them, it’s almost like being around an oversized dog.”  

Currently, the equestrian club is comprised of around a dozen members, with an average of four to five cadets attending each practice. The flexible schedule accommodates the demanding commitments of cadet life, with members deciding on participation shortly before each session.  

Olivia Polumbo
Photos by H. Lockwood McLaughlin
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE