Kaci Boyes
Team President
Hello! My name is Kaci and I have been doing the hunter/jumpers for 17 years and have experience riding a variety of horses-the babies, the greenies, the wild ones, the lazy ones, you name it! This will be my fifth year riding on the UWEQ team and competing with the OCEA. This team and the OCEA circuit hold a special place in my heart as I have spent the past three years as a UWEQ Captain and have been in a variety of executive and board positions on the OCEA over the years. I’m excited to take on the President role and support this wonderful group of new executives that I know will lead a fantastic year! It is my goal to aid the team in developing a solid foundation that fosters positivity, growth, and equestrian development. I’m in my final year of the Environment and Business program at UW and wouldn’t want to spend it with any other group of pals! I would recommend this team to anyone interested and hope to see it continue to flourish in future years.
Gracie Walker
Team Captain
Hi! My name is Gracie and I am one of the Waterloo Equestrian Team Captains. I am originally from Nova Scotia and am in my final year of my Biology degree. I have been riding for 14 years and am a certified instructor. I have competed in the jumpers, gone to Pony Club Nationals, and been part of an 83 year old Musical Ride. Although I didn’t get a chance to compete this summer, I did get the chance to complete my Rider Level 7! I am so excited to be captain this year and plan many fun events for the team! This is my fifth year on the team, second year as captain, and first year on the OCEA exec. The team is truly my favourite part of being in University and I have loved every minute of being captain of such a great group of people!
Delaney Armstrong
Team Captain
Hello! My name is Delaney, I’ve been riding for over 15 years originally coming from the Ottawa region competing across Canada and the US. I did a lot of work with sale horses and exercise riding. This summer I rode a variety of horses and participated in my first dressage competition! After a very successful last season with the OCEA I’m ecstatic to take on the new and exciting challenge of Co-captain for this year. I look forward to working hard to create a team we can be proud of!
Lea Gurowka
Junior Captain
Hi, my name’s Lea, I’m in my second year of Honours Science and I’m the junior captain. I’ve been riding since I was 7 and showing since I was 13 years old. Before university I was showing the 1m jumpers in the Trillium Circuit and the Angelstone Silver Series. I spent this summer training one of my coach’s horses and giving him show experience. I love being a part of Waterloo’s team because it has such a strong sense of community. All of the teammates are such wonderful people that are all so caring. The OCEA is set up to accommodate all different types of riding levels making it very inclusive. My favourite part of being on the team is that I can continue to ride competitively throughout university on a smaller budget.
Callista Carroll
Marketing Head
Hello! My name is Callista, I have been riding and competing for most of my life. I spent the last summer showing my lease horse Rosie in the low adult hunters on the gold circuit as well as developing my 4 year old gelding, Odin. I am in the Environment, Resources and Sustainability program at Waterloo and this is my 3rd year on the team. I’m super excited to be taking on the role of Marketing head and creating lots of fun social media content!
Jackie Gwozdz
Sponsorship Head
Hey everyone! My name is Jackie and I’ve been riding since I was 12 years old! For my 2nd year on the team, I’m super excited to take on the role of Executive Sponsorship Co-ordinator for this upcoming season! I’m super excited to show in the novice division this year and to continue to develop my riding! Although I have graduated from the University of Waterloo last June, I’m super excited to be able to continue riding with the team as an Alumni!
Sam Martin
Treasurer
Hi! My name is Sam and I am in my fourth year of Global Business and Digital Arts. I have been riding for around 14 years now and I typically show in the hunters. I am excited to see the waterloo team grow this year and be able to enjoy horses through both the OCEA shows and team activities
Mailyn Takayesu
Fundraising Head
Hey, I’m Mailyn, and I’m your Fundraising Executive for the 2023/2024 season! This will be my third year on the OCEA circuit. When I’m not riding, you can find me immersed in the world of Mechatronics Engineering and all things robotics. I’m super excited to organize some fun events to help support the team.