Sunita Pearson-Siegel, MET Alumna, Mount Holyoke College
I was a member of the team from 2014-2020 and it was one of the most life changing decisions I have ever made. I am writing to express my deepest gratitude and admiration for the incredible experience I had as a member of MET, and how the knowledge and connections I obtained are employed in my everyday life. MET has molded me into a competitive collegiate equestrian at Mount Holyoke College, an English major and chemistry minor on the pre-health track, independently researching in the field of organic chemistry, and a person who understands what it means to have good sportsmanship and be part of a team that supports each other no matter what.
Joining MET was the first step towards realizing that one, I wanted to apply to college, and two, that I could attend one of the top liberal arts and historically women’s colleges in the country and be a varsity athlete. The guidance and support I received from my coach and teammates in high school was instrumental in my acceptance to Mount Holyoke College. The countless hours of practice, advancing my riding skills in the saddle, off the saddle horse care, and help with college application components, instilled in me a sense of discipline and time management that I carry with me to this day. One of the most incredible aspects of being on MET was the sense of camaraderie and belonging. We weren’t just teammates; we were a family united by our passion for riding and academia. The bonds I formed with my fellow riders are unbreakable, and I formed those same bonds with my teammates at Mount Holyoke, people who are my family for life. All of these friendships have been a source of unwavering support and that is all thanks to MET.
Through MET, I had the privilege of networking with professionals in the equestrian world. I was able to attend clinics, at minimum cost, with Bernie Traurig, Linda Langmeir, Carol J. Law, Sally Batton and Michael Dowling, clinicians who I would not have been able to afford otherwise. We also attended various competitions and events for scouting like the College Preparatory Invitational in Wellington, FL, and obtained free admission to the Longines Global Champions Tour and the yearly Winter Equestrian Festival hosted at the Palm Beach Equine Sports Complex which provided me with a sense of how much this sport had to offer at the professional level. These industry experts and eye opening experiences were influential in helping me shape my future in the world of equestrian sports.
One person who deserves special mention is MET’s incredible founder Jane DaCosta. I was her student when she had only one team running out of a barn in Brooklyn, and the foundation’s expansion is truly beyond belief. Her leadership, dedication, and passion for the sport and us as riders and academics was truly inspiring. I would not be the person I am today without her. She led by example, working hard to accomplish all she has for the MET. Expanding the level of competition, awareness for practicing safe sport and anti-racism efforts pushed me to become a Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) activist in the Mount Holyoke Equestrian community. She encouraged me to strive for excellence and push for the rights and acceptance of all riders regardless of weight and size limitations, race, and gender in the hunt seat equitation show ring and others. Her mentorship taught me not only about horsemanship but also about leadership and responsibility.
My experience with the Metropolitan Equestrian Team has been nothing short of transformative. It helped me turn my passion for riding into a promising collegiate show career and forever passion. I have lifelong friends, skills and values that extend far beyond the arena. I hope future young riders have the pleasure of experiencing all that I have because my life and future is forever changed by MET.