Terra Wallace: Gaining experience in the equestrian world through Fresno State

FRESNO, Calif. - The Craig School of Business at Fresno State has had a profound reputation in the Valley, in the state of California, in the country and even globally. The Craig School of Business is the third public institution in California to be nationally accredited by AACSB International, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Being an AACSB accredited school is the highest level of accreditation that a school of business can achieve, and Fresno State prides itself on its business program.

Senior hunt seat rider, Terra Wallace, has found her home at the Craig School of Business as well as on the equestrian team, and pairing the two together has prepared her for more than what she had expected coming in.

"The fact that I could keep riding and be around girls with the same passion as me was what really intrigued me about Fresno State," said Wallace. "I was also really interested in the business school here. I am a business management major, the business school is highly ranked and I can see why now."

Coming to Fresno from Lomita, Calif., Wallace wasn't bought in from the beginning. However, after spending some time to get to know the people, the city and the culture, she really grew to appreciate Fresno.

"Right where I live, there were a lot of grandfathered horse properties and public barns, so that is where I got my start. I started in pony camp. I have been riding since I was five years old. It means everything to me to be able to ride at this level, it is really the reason why I wanted to go to college. I really wanted to continue riding and that is why I chose Fresno State."

Fresno State has been a place where she has created memories and paved her path for her life outside of college.

"I came here unsure about Fresno, but Fresno State has really made me love it here now. I am grateful for that and for the experience I have gained here, not just for the experiences I have made on the team but also in school as well."

Being a student-athlete is not an easy task. You have practice, workouts, meetings, and event days as an athlete, but then there is also class, homework, exams and study hall that need to be focused on as a student as well.

In the Business school, students are required to complete countless hours of service learning projects in the community, internship hours and group projects as well as assignments and exams. With the accreditation comes top-notch professors, deans and advisors who push students to succeed in every way possible.

Out at the barn, life stays just as busy. Maintaining over 30 horses for the program sounds like a lot of work, but with four years of experience and the will to learn, Wallace has been able to create a schedule that allows her to complete all of her duties. With the help of her teammates and coaches, she has been able to learn and grow as an equestrian rider and also as a person in the horse industry as a whole.

"I think that this is definitely a really good resume builder to say that I have been able to do this for four years with 35 women. It is an accomplishment in itself. If I were to stay in Fresno after graduation, I feel like Fresno State has given me the opportunity to make many connections with people here through school."

But, the experiences that Wallace has gotten through the Craig School of Business have not been wasted time. In her time as a business student and a member of the Fresno State equestrian team, she has been able to feed her skills into something and channel exactly what it is that she wants to do with her life.

"After graduation, I want to work in the horse industry. I want to work in barn management or in operations of horse shows as well. The team has taught me how to do a lot. First, I have learned how to drive tractors and that is very important for arena management. We take care of everything show-wise and barn-wise here so it is already like I have barn and show management experience. Then, of course all of the technical things I have learned through the business school. I can combine all of that into one job."

The horse world has many opportunities outside of riding. Barn management and operations is a big part in the success to the industry. As the years come, keep an eye out for the future Fresno State equestrian and Craig School of Business alumnae leaving her mark on the industry.

"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" –The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.

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Terra Wallace: Gaining experience in the equestrian world through Fresno State

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