Apache, Daisy, and Thunder-No, this is not a Woodstock flashback. These are the names of the horses you will find training with the Brandeis equestrian club once a week at Doorbill Stables in Bridgewater, MA.

The team, formed in 2002, has 19 members, six of whom compete, and they are always welcoming new riders.

The Judges competed at Boston College on Sunday, placing in the top-five overall.

Iska Blustazjn '05 placed second in Walk/Trot, Kate Gardiner '07 and Sarah Snyder '07 earned third in their events.

Amanda Winer '06 earned fifth place points for Brandeis, and Jessi Dillon '06 ranked second and fifth in the competition.

"We always rank high in points," Winer said. "Even though we don't have as many riders as the other schools, we are still tough competition."

The team rides under the regulations of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association and competes in several tournaments during its fall and spring seasons. Collegiate competition is divided by region so the Judges regularly compete against Boston University, Stonehill and Wellesley in addition to other schools.

Colleges with on-campus or near-campus stables host the horse shows where riders will earn individual and team points in their top event. Points accumulate over the season and qualify the riders for the regional tournament in April.

Placing first or second in regionals earns the rider a spot in the zone tournament where they can qualify for the national tournament. Dillon earned sixth in the regional tournament last year held Massachusetts. She and Winer have already earned enough points to compete in the 2005 Regional Tournament.

The club strives to accommodate every skill level. They stress that that no experience is needed to attend a lesson. They also have club equipment for interested first-timers to borrow. Helmets, boots and chaps are available for use.

Subsidized by Brandeis, the riders take lessons at a reduced pricem and work to improve their individual skills in a team environment. Riders are also responsible for grooming and tacking their horses before lessons.

Many of the riders have been riding since they were young. Amy Goldwasser '06 has been saddling up since the age of 11.

She earned money for her first horse by working at Pony Land, a birthday party venue that specialized in pony rides for youngsters.

One of the founding members, Goldwasser encourages Brandeis students to give equestrian club a try.

"We want people to know we're here," Goldwasser said. "If you want to come ride or hang out with us, we're available. It's not an exclusive club, everyone's welcome.