This month we’re shining the spotlight on Beverly Gartland ’18 as she reflects on her Midway University experience.
Why I Chose Midway: I met some representatives from Midway at the Equine Affair in Massachusetts and was invited to an Equine Overnight later that year. I fell in love with Lexington and felt very at home with the people I met during that event. I also loved the horses being right on campus and being able to walk to the barn!
Favorite Midway Experience or Memory: I have so many fond memories from my time at Midway that it’s hard to pick one. It was one of the happiest periods of my life. I loved my time there with my friends, having classes about horses and in the barn, and experiencing everything Lexington had to offer, including working at the Kentucky Horse Park in the Breeds Barn on weekends and during the summers. I also loved being on the Western Team and have a fond memory from my junior year when I won my class at regionals after a really tough competition against a large number of riders. If I remember correctly, the judge had me ride three different horses through the same pattern. It was such a rush of emotions and I felt very supported by all of my teammates.
What Midway Means to Me: Midway still represents a really happy period of my life. If I were to go back in time, I would definitely make the choice to pursue my degree there again.
Advice for Future Eagles: A large part of your college experience is what you make of it. Two students could pursue the same degree and take all the same classes and have very different experiences. If you’re studying equine, take every opportunity to take advantage of the industry in the area. Try to learn what you want to do, as well as what steps you need to obtain your goal. Work hard, have fun, keep an open mind, and learn whenever you can.
Where are You Now: I am now living near Boston, Massachusetts working as the Program Manager for BINA Farm Center. BINA Farm Center is a non-profit Therapeutic Riding center that offers a variety of therapeutic activities for people with and without special needs, including Therapeutic Riding, Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy, Physical and Occupational Therapy utilizing Equine Movement, and Recreational Riding.
As Program Manager, I schedule all of the different Programs, plan curriculums, assign horses to activities, teach lessons, and act as a facilitator between Instructors, therapists, administrators, and families. In the state of Massachusetts, you need a license to teach riding lessons, so I have completed this requirement and am working towards my PATH Int. CTRI certification. I also assist with relations with donors who support our non-profit.
Interesting Fact About You: My husband and I got married last June in a cave in Bowling Green, Kentucky. My husband is an archeologist who has participated on projects in Plymouth, Massachusetts where they worked on sites believed to be part of the original colony.
Favorite Quote: “It turns out life isn’t a puzzle that can be solved one time and it’s done. You wake up every day, and you solve it again.” – The Good Place