History

The Jerry Steinmetz Fund & Award

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 else 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). Participation in IHSA is tantamount to the team’s success. IHSA promotes competition for riders of all levels of ability, both individually and as a team. Jerry has been an integral part of IHSA, ensuring the team’s involvement, helping individuals and the team secure numerous awards and serving as the Zone 7 Chair. In 2002, IHSA awarded Jerry the coveted IHSA Lifetime Achievement Award.

To date, Jerry has had ten teams finish in the top 10 at IHSA Nationals, and he has taken a total of 20 teams. He has had individuals compete at 30 National Finals, with 11 Cacchione Cup Finalists. Past and present teammates agree that it is Jerry’s dedication to the team and horses that has ensured this success.

In 2016, Jerry’s final year as Head Coach of the Purdue Equestrian Team, the team created the Jerry Steinmetz Endowment Fund to commemorate his dedication to the team. We ask past and present team members, active participants in the horse industry, and supporters of the Purdue Equestrian Team to contribute to this fund. These donations go towards team scholarships and horse show dues, which greatly helps our team.

Donate to the Jerry Steinmetz Endowment Fund Here!

The Steinmetz Award

In 2023, our team created the Steinmetz Award to recognize an outstanding team member of Purdue Equestrian each year. Named after the founder of our team, Jerry Steinmetz, this award honors team members who have shown immense dedication, leadership, and team spirit during their time on PET.

Award Winners:

2023: Maeve Sheehy