Jerry Steinmetz founded the Purdue Equestrian Team in 1980 to allow Purdue students of all riding abilities to develop riding and horsemanship skills. Throughout his 37 years as coach, Jerry worked tirelessly to keep involvement in the team inclusive, affordable, safe, and, above all, fun and educational. Jerry passed his commitment and dedication to the team down to his daughter, Krista Steinmetz, who — after competing on the team and serving as assistant coach — took over as Head Coach.

The Purdue Equestrian Team is part of Zone 7, Region 1 of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). Jerry has been an integral part of IHSA, ensuring the team’s involvement, helping individuals and the team secure numerous awards, and serving as Zone 7 Chair. In 2002, IHSA awarded Jerry the coveted IHSA Lifetime Achievement Award.

To date, Jerry has led ten teams to top-10 finishes at IHSA Nationals, out of 20 teams taken overall. He has had individuals compete at 30 National Finals, including 11 Cacchione Cup finalists. Past and present teammates agree that it is Jerry’s dedication to the team and its horses that has driven this success.

Kathryn Kraft took over as Head Coach of the team in 2022, continuing the Steinmetz legacy and the Purdue traditions that make the team so special. In her tenure so far, she has taken the team to Nationals three of four years, with 14 top-5 individual finishes, including two IHSA National Champions, and two Cacchione Cup finalists. In 2025, she led the team to its first IHSA National Championship Hunter Seat Team title in Purdue’s history.