Growing up in Harve de Grace, Maryland, Sam Grinnell-Spiller developed a passion for horses at a very young age. Despite it being a new interest for her family, Grinnell-Spiller was able to find a small farm that welcomed her with open arms.

As an equine science and management (ESMA) student, Grinnell-Spiller wanted to bring that sense of community and support to UK.

“I love seeing the smiles and confidence in the team members as they get more comfortable,” Grinnell-Spiller said. “Bringing everyone together and growing this community has been so rewarding.”

Grinnell-Spiller was working for Dean Moffett at Dizzy D Ranch when she took the course EQM 399, Equine Science and Management Internship. This course, taught by Savannah Robin, guides students through an internship experience.

“As a part of the ESMA internship experience, we ask students to select a project that empowers them to ‘leave the woodpile higher than you found it,’” Robin said. “Sam took on this project to help both her placement and provide students at UK with an opportunity they wouldn’t have otherwise.”

With the help of Mary Jane Little, the club’s staff adviser, Grinnell-Spiller created the UK Ranch Horse Team in the fall of 2024 as her EQM 399 project. This club is open to students of all majors and equestrians of all experience levels; tryouts are not required.

“Sam approached me to be an adviser for the Ranch team and I was excited to help her achieve her goal when I saw the determination in her eye,” said Little. “Working with Sam has been invigorating as she empowers other students in the club to take leadership roles.”

As president, Grinnell-Spiller has been responsible for getting the team off the ground, writing the framework of the club and organizing activities for the members. The executive team members have been huge supporters of Grinnell-Spiller as they have worked through the challenges of starting a new, dynamic club.

“Ranch riding judges are looking for which horses they would want to take on the ranch to complete tasks,” Grinnell-Spiller said. “It’s a combination of disciplines, from cow work to trail and rail classes, and each person can choose what they would like to show in. There is something for everyone and the community is super supportive.”

Students can choose to join as a social or riding member. Social members are involved in monthly club meetings, social events and the club’s community. Riding members must also own or lease a horse, practice with the team once a week and can choose to compete in local ranch riding shows.

“My favorite thing about this club is the community we have grown,” Grinnell-Spiller said. “Our practices are such a hoot; they are easygoing and everyone is cheering on one another. I hope as I graduate and the club continues, the heart stays the same. I can’t wait to see it grow and bloom even more.”

Learn more about the UK ranch horse team at https://ukranchhorseteam.wixsite.com/uk-ranch-horse-team.

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Writer: Zoey Ortega, zoey.ortega@uky.edu

The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is an Equal Opportunity Organization with respect to education and employment and authorization to provide research, education information and other services to individuals and institutions that provide equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.