NDSU equestrian team remembers Jewel

Contributed By Ryan McNamara Today at 10:22 PM Listen Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? FARGO — NDSU's equestrian team will be missing one of its finest in the show pen this weekend. Jewel, a quarter horse and one of the team's trainers, passed away at the age of 25 last week. ADVERTISEMENT When her death was announced on social media, a flood of support poured in, as well as favorite riding stories and teaching moments. "She is one of those horses that you just instantly gravitate towards because she's just so kind and patient and such a good teacher," said Mattia Gunkelman, hunt seat coach for the NDSU Equine Team. It took Gunkelman a split second to realize Jewel wasn't like most horses when the quarter horse arrived at NDSU's Equine Center 10 years ago. "Jewel was just the best teacher for really anyone," Gunkelman said. It didn't matter if it was a first-time rider or someone ready to jump the fences, Jewel could take them through it all. "A lot of horses are very, you know, they're very good at their one thing. And she was one of those that you could put in any arena doing anything. And she would do it," said Laurel Kaufman, one of the captains of the NDSU Hunt Seat Team. And if a rider came in having a good day or bad, it just seemed like Jewel knew. ADVERTISEMENT "She knew even on the ground, if you came in to groom her, wash her, do any events with her. She ... she was just such a kind and gentle soul," Kaufman said. With a decade of experience and an awareness far beyond the average mare, it wasn't rare to see Jewel take the reins on show day. READ MORE STORIES BY RYAN MCNAMARA Fargo senator wants restrictions on license plate readers 1d ago Measles cases continue climbing in Minnesota 1d ago West Fargo police chief says Axon technology will replace Flock, bring new AI features 1d ago Recounts rarely change Minnesota election results 4d ago "So if you were asking her to do one thing, she has had so many people on her. She knew what you were saying, even if you didn't know what you were saying," Kaufman said. Jewel's personality made her a gem, and it seems she shined brightest on Halloween. One year, a Subway sandwich, and this year, she went out in style. Contributed "This past year, a couple of weeks ago, she was a party animal. And I had this, like, really sparkly hat on her. And I just thought she looked absolutely adorable, so that one was pretty fun to see," said Allison Mouche, a captain of the NDSU Hunt Seat Team. Always teaching, reliable and loyal, the crown jewel of horse riding at NDSU, making a long-lasting impact. Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? Tags Tags HORSES NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY By Ryan McNamara Ryan McNamara joined WDAY as a reporter in late 2024. He is a native of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota and graduated from St. Cloud State University in 2024. His time as a Husky included copious amounts of time spent at "The Herb" reporting on Husky hockey, or at Halenbeck Hall calling Husky basketball. He also spent two summers with the Northwoods League's St. Cloud Rox. Along with his duties in news and sports, Ryan dons a headset for occasional play-by-play broadcasts for North Dakota and Minnesota high school sports. When he's away from the station, he's most likely lifting, finding time to golf, or taking in as much college basketball as possible, in order to complete the elusive perfect March Madness bracket. Twitter Instagram Listen to this article Conversation ADVERTISEMENT What To Read Next Fargo Pucker Power: Ben Franklin trumpet students compete for best 'siren' sound 4h ago · By Kevin Wallevand Fargo Fargo business warns of cash-change distraction scam 4h ago · By Isak Dinesen Fargo Mac and cheese cook-off raises money for United Way 5h ago · By Matthew Freeman ADVERTISEMENT Get Local Must Reads Men's Sports McFeely: Hawaii, somehow, blocks out distractions in paradise 5h ago · By Mike McFeely Business New Fargo coffee shop will feature viral fruit dessert and Vietnamese coffee 16h ago · By Stephanie Dickerson Fargo Pucker Power: Ben Franklin trumpet students compete for best 'siren' sound 4h ago · By Kevin Wallevand Minnesota Becker County voter's ballot misses deadline by a day as Senate race remains close 4h ago · By Michael McGurran