Surprise! A Black College With an Equestrian Team

When one hears the word “equestrian,” images of the English aristocracy usually come to mind. But Delaware State University, the historically black educational institution in Dover, is now well into its first full season of intercollegiate equestrian competition. Delaware State is the only HBCU among the 23 colleges and universities currently fielding a varsity equestrian team.

The team has six members, only one of whom is an African American. The team stables 14 horses at Magical Acres Farm in Cheswold, Delaware. Coach Leigh Nichol, who holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Georgia, is a two-time member of the national equestrian team.

The Delaware State equestrian team will participate in eight meets this season, all on the road. The team will travel to Texas, South Dakota, Tennessee, New Mexico, California, and Alabama.

Copyright © 2006. The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education. All rights reserved.