A growing number of Wisconsin high schools are creating equestrian teams.
The Waunakee School Board meets tonight to consider a plan to join the Wisconsin Interscholastic Horsemanship Association .
Right now, the 20 or so students who are interested in the team participate against each other in horsemanship competitions. The students say a school-sponsored team would provide more recognition and could help the participants gain the attention of college programs.
Nine other school districts in the state have approved horseback riding as a club. Participants tend to pay for what's needed. Still, some school board members in Waunakee are concerned about coaching and liability. A local horse trainer has offered to coach the team for free.
If approved, the team would be in place starting this fall.
The students would also like the team to get varsity status, which would be a first for the state.
A similar proposal is also being considered by the Poynette School District.
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