There isn't a big turnout for equestrian competitions at the University of Massachusetts. No one is painting his or her face or stomach in the school colors, or cheering from the sidelines for the chocolate brown horses and their riders.

Although it might not get the same backing as football or basketball, the UMass equestrian team does exist, and this year it boasts a strong group of riders.

'The team is an extracurricular activity run by the Department of Vet and Animal Sciences. There are 96 students in equine studies, 26 members on the team and 36 horses,' said Jerry Schurink, director of equine studies and Intercollegiate Horse Show Association equestrian team coach.

'It's not a club, so we don't get club money from the school. But because we're not a club, we can have tryouts,' Schurink said. Which means Schurink can assemble the best team possible every year.

Team captains Diane A. Puopolo, a senior from Holliston and Sheena M. McNalla, a senior from Kittery, Maine; Meggin E. Johnson, a senior from Ashburnham; and Joscelyn A. Gray, a freshman from Long Island, N.Y., say they don't need a big crowd to cheer them on as long as they've got each other.

'We have a buddy system that pairs a new rider with a sophomore or junior rider for support,' McNalla explained.

'Camaraderie is a big thing with us,' Gray added.

All the women have been riding since they were children, except Johnson, who did not start until she was 18. 'I've always loved horses and been around them but it wasn't until I came here that I got the opportunity to learn to ride,' she said.

To be a part of this team you have to get used to early mornings and late nights.

'They practice every Wednesday from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. and depending on the schedule for riding classes they have to be out here at 6:30 in the morning. They ride in all kinds of weather. The only rule is if it's 15 degrees below zero they don't ride,' Schurink said.

For McNalla that's no problem. 'To me it's a luxury. Back home we had to ride out in the snow, so the cold arena is fine,' she said.

The goal of the team is to go to regional competitions, and then on to the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association Nationals. The problem with getting to nationals is that the riders have to compete with Mount Holyoke College, which last year placed second in the nation, and has won the regionals for nine straight seasons.

'Sometimes I feel like no matter how good you do, you can't beat them,' Gray said.

'But it also makes it all the better when you do win because you know you're going against the best,' Puopolo said. 'It makes you a stronger rider.'

The seniors plan to continue riding and working with horses after graduation. 'I don't need a lot but I want to have a job that's fun, and where I can be around horses,' McNalla said.

'I will always ride no matter what job I end up with,' Johnson added.