Equestrian Announces Partnership To Train At Silvermine Farm

Sacred Heart University Executive Director of Athletics Bobby Valentine announced that the Pioneers Equestrian team will have a new home, beginning August 2019. The Pioneers will call Silvermine Farm (SF), in Norwalk, Conn., just 15 miles south of campus, their new home. In addition, Valentine announced that the Equestrian team will be focusing their efforts on strengthening their competitiveness in Hunt Seat competition.

"I am pleased that we are able to provide a first-class facility for our student-athletes, that is a shorter commute and provides additional training space," said Valentine. "Coach Hajdasz and her staff have worked diligently to build our Equestrian team into a competitor at the national level, and am confident that they will achieve that goal."

The partnership with SF will allow the Pioneers to accept more horse donations; which in turn allows the program to expand the roster and provide depth in positions in pursuit of a national championship. The Pioneers placed tenth at the 2019 IHSA National Championship, and have signed 12 newcomers for the 2019-20 campaign and have begun filling the 2020-21 recruiting class."

"We are excited about the opportunity to work with the staff at SF and to be able to focus on Hunt Seat competition," said head coach Tiffany Hajdasz. "Our main objective remains the same: helping student-athletes develop life skills through Equestrian sport. We are thankful for our time at Rolling M Ranch with Tami & Garry McAllister and for their help and dedication in advancing our program."

Silvermine Farm is situated on 10 acres of land in the historic Silvermine community on the New Canaan/Norwalk line, conveniently located within 1 mile of both I-95 and the Merritt Parkway. The facility features two outdoor rings and an attached indoor ring with a heated viewing lounge. In addition to the facility, the team will be adding 10 SF horses to their program.