UF Western Equestrian Studies Student Places Top Five at NSBA World Show

Miranda Klein, senior western equestrian studies and equine business management double major student at the University of Findlay, ended her summer 2020 internship on a high note. In August, Klein attended the National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) World Show in Tulsa, Oklahoma and placed fifth in her western pleasure class.

Through her internship at Jones Performance Horses in Reelsville, Indiana, she occasionally worked with a three-year-old Quarter Horse mare, Sheza Good Mechanic, lovingly known as “Delta.” During this internship, when Klein attended the NSBA World Show with Jones Performance Horses she was given the opportunity to show Delta in a Three-Year-Old Limited Horse Limited Rider Open Western Pleasure class, meaning that the horse is three, has not been shown frequently before this show, and the rider has not earned a certain amount of money in winnings.

Klein is from New Jersey and has ridden horses most of her life. When considering colleges, Klein’s visit to UF confirmed her decision. “I loved main campus and the atmosphere there, but I also loved how big the western farm was and knew that it would be able to provide me with numerous opportunities to prepare me for the real world,” said Klein.

During her time in the program, Klein has been impressed with everything from the faculty to the horses themselves. Her riding instructors, Spencer Zimmerman and Art O’Brien, have helped her and provided her with the one-on-one attention it takes to become a great rider. However, one of her favorite aspects about the program are the horses. “One of my favorite things about attending UF for equestrian studies is the fact that we have so many different horses to learn from; riding that many horses you learn something different from each one,” said Klein.

She suggests incoming and current equestrian students should try to get as many internships as possible. “It gives you the ability to get out there in the industry and really get to see it in-person and make connections with other trainers, assistants, and clients,” added Klein.

Visit University of Findlay’s Western Equestrian Studies and Equine Business Management webpages to learn more about the programs.