West Zone
Meet the Teams
University of Guelph
The University of Guelph Equestrian Club brings together students interested in horses to participate in lessons, activities, and teams. Club members can participate in field trips, quizzes, movie nights, clinics, and more. Proudly based out of Old Orchard Farm with Linda Hale.
University of Waterloo
Western University
Western Equestrian Club was re-established in 2006, and became a Campus-Recreation affiliate club in 2011. Western Equestrian Club’s goal is to provide equestrians attending school at Western with the opportunity to stay involved with horses, whether you personally own one or not! Western Equestrian Club includes three different competitive teams, lessons and events.
Wilfrid Laurier University
The Laurier Equestrian team is nothing but a good time! The Laurier Equestrian team has been around since 2007 and we were one of the original teams! We offer a competitive team here at Laurier which consists of competing at shows throughout the season, as well as some fun team socials. Our team has been off to a great start this year, with all of our riders having great success and we are excited for the rest of the year! Feel free to reach out to our team via email at equestrianclub@laurierathletics.com and we will happily answer any questions about the team!
Laurentian University
The Laurentian University Equestrian Team is a group of passionate equestrians who come together to compete, ride, and share their love of horses. We welcome riders of all experience levels and strive to create a supportive, fun, and competitive team environment. The LU team rides out of Foothills Farm and is proud to represent Laurentian University on the OCEA circuit west zone. We are also incredibly proud to be supported by our largest sponsor, Northern Legacy Farm, whose support helps our team continue to grow and compete throughout the season!
Meet the West Zone Executive
Zone Head
Lea Gurowka
westexec.ontariocea@gmail.com
Lea just graduated from UWaterloo and was a captain on the team for the past two years. Previously she has been on the Zone Executive as the Secretary and the Membership Coordinator and she would like to continue to be a part of the team that helps our zone to operate the best it can. Lea has been riding for 15 years and loves how the OCEA gives riders the opportunity to continue riding throughout their time at university. Her strong orientation to detail, effective communication skills, and team player attitude makes her a great fit to be the Zone Head.
Membership Coordinator
Kate Gurowka
westexec.ontariocea@gmail.com
Kate has been a member of the University of Guelph team for the past two years. She knows that the OCEA runs on volunteers dedicating their time to help this organization be effective. Kate is always one to lend a helping hand wherever she can and this year she wants to lend a hand to the West Zone. Kate has been riding for 14 years and loves how the OCEA gives riders the opportunity to continue showing throughout their time at university. Her effective communication skills and ability to collaborate with others make her a great fit to be on the zone executive.
Secretary
Mackenzie Seton
westexec.ontariocea@gmail.com
Mackenzie is the West Zone Secretary for the 2026/27 season. With a competitive year ahead, as your secretary, she will ensure that your feedback on the shows is heard using a form following each competition. As well, this season she will send judges cards to each teams’ captains following each show to ensure teams can better prepare their competitors on where they can improve. Mackenzie is deeply passionate about the OCEA, and the incredible community of people she has gotten to meet all thanks to this organization. West zone, best zone!
Horse Coordinator
Bianca Bencal
westexec.ontariocea@gmail.com
Bianca rides on the UGET team, and this is her first year as co-captain. She thinks horse welfare should always be a top priority in our community. Having ridden since a very young age, Bianca understands how important it is to ensure horses are happy, comfortable, and properly cared for at shows. She is happy this role allows her to support both the horses and riders throughout the season.
2026-2027 Show Dates
Waterloo @ Laughton Training & Sales
September 20th, 2026
Guelph @ Old Orchard Farms
October 18th, 2026
Western @ Millside Stables
October 24th, 2026
Laurentian @ Foothills Farm
November 29th, 2026
Laurier @ Old Orchard Farm
January 31st, 2026