SMWC saddles up to carol

The temperature may have been bitterly cold, but hearts were warmed Tuesday (Dec. 7) when students in the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College’s Equine Studies program conducted the Second Annual Senior Holiday Ride.

While many people can’t wait to deck the halls during the holiday season, the SMWC Equine Studies seniors instead put some red or silver tinsel on their horses (and themselves), before riding about the grounds to sing carols to youngsters and adults.

Chris Marks, chairperson of Equine Studies at SMWC, said last year was the first time the Senior Holiday Ride took place. It was enjoyed so much by all it was an easy decision to do it again this year.

“We plan to make this an annual tradition,” Marks said Tuesday, just after she, the students and their horses put their best voices (and hooves) forward.

Despite the bone-chilling cold, there was no doubt the students were up to the task. The seniors first performed for a small group at Owens Hall on the Sisters of Providence side of the grounds, before heading to the Woods Day Care/Pre-School, a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Providence.

Marks even added sweetness to the festivities by leaving a huge box of candy for the Owens group. Later, she went inside the Woods Day Care/Pre-School delivering candy to Sister Lucy Lechner at the front reception desk so that each youngster would be sure to receive a holiday treat.

Approximately 14 Equine Studies seniors and faculty braved Tuesday’s cold for the caroling. Meanwhile, Equine Studies freshmen, sophomores and juniors served on the all-important clean-up crew.

In addition to the students, Marks said other SMWC Equine Studies faculty — instructors Sara Schulz and Krista Steinmetz and stable manager Angie McMillin— rode along to help with the caroling.

In addition to Owens Hall and the Woods Day Care/Pre-School, the students rode on horseback to sing at Hulman Hall, LeFer Hall, the Mary and Andrew Rooney Library and Guerin Hall (between both buildings), in addition to the Conservatory of Music.

Marks said the group truly enjoyed spreading good cheer.

“It’s kind of a reward for the seniors to do this,” she said, adding it also provides for great camaraderie and a means to set a cheerful tone for the holidays.

“The horses are festive and the students are in a great mood for this,” Marks said, adding, “Besides … they look so awesome!”