Lacey Johnston, the esteemed Senior Lecturer in Animal Science at the University of Tennessee and advisor to the university’s Equestrian Team, recently experienced a fall during a training session. Despite the incident, she is in good health and is looking forward to her upcoming spring vacation.
Johnston’s dedication to the UT Equestrian Team has been instrumental in its success. The team, affiliated with the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA), competes across Tennessee and Kentucky, offering riders of all experience levels the opportunity to participate without the necessity of owning a horse.
The IHSA’s unique format emphasizes adaptability, as riders compete on horses provided by host schools, often without prior familiarity. This structure ensures that the focus remains on the rider’s skill and versatility, aligning with Johnston’s philosophy of comprehensive equestrian education.
Under Johnston’s guidance, the UT Equestrian Team has flourished, with members excelling in various disciplines, including Equitation over Fences, Equitation on the Flat, Western Horsemanship, Ranch Riding, and Reining. Her commitment to fostering a supportive environment has attracted riders from diverse backgrounds, contributing to the team’s dynamic composition.
The team’s training facilities, such as Elder’s Last Lap Ranch in Maryville for Western lessons and Penrose Farm in Knoxville for Hunt Seat lessons, provide members with top-notch resources to hone their skills. Johnston’s involvement ensures that these facilities meet the highest standards, reflecting her dedication to the sport and her students.
Johnston’s recent fall serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with equestrian activities. However, her swift recovery underscores her resilience and passion for the sport. Her positive outlook and readiness to embark on her spring vacation exemplify her unwavering spirit.
The equestrian community often faces challenges, but stories like that of Susie Stephens, a nurse who overcame a severe injury from a horse-related accident, highlight the courage and determination prevalent among equestrians. Johnston’s experience, though less severe, resonates with this narrative of resilience.
As Johnston prepares for her spring vacation, the UT Equestrian Team continues its rigorous training schedule, inspired by her dedication and leadership. Her presence, both as an advisor and mentor, has been pivotal in shaping the team’s ethos and achievements.
The upcoming season holds promise for the team, with members eager to showcase their skills in various competitions. Johnston’s guidance has instilled a sense of confidence and preparedness among the riders, setting the stage for continued success.
In her dual role as an educator and advisor, Johnston exemplifies the integration of academic knowledge with practical experience. Her contributions to the Department of Animal Science and the Equestrian Team have left an indelible mark on the university community.
As she enjoys her well-deserved spring vacation, the university and the equestrian community at large extend their best wishes to Johnston, anticipating her return and the continued positive impact she will undoubtedly have on her students and colleagues.