BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – Bridgewater State University Director of Athletics, Dr. Marybeth Lamb, announced today that Jennifer Gallant-Backman has been promoted to the position of head coach of the BSU equestrian team.
Gallant-Backman replaces Geraldine Burnet who stepped down following the conclusion of the 2018-2019 season after serving as the head coach since 2014. Burnet will remain on the staff as an assistant coach.
“Geraldine Burnett has done an outstanding job in helping to transition the club to varsity status here at BSU, said Lamb. “Her expertise was instrumental in making the determination to elevate the club.”
“We are excited to have someone with Jennifer’s background continue the great work that Coach Burnett has done for the team, Lamb added. “Coach Gallant-Backman’s experience as a collegiate rider is a tremendous asset to BSU as we continue to become a significant program in the Northeast and an outstanding choice for the many young riders that compete throughout New England.”
Gallant-Backman is a 2019 graduate of Anna Maria College where she earned a bachelor’s degree in fire science. She also earned an associate's degree in equine science from Mount Ida College in 1999. While at Mount Ida, Gallant-Backman rode for the Mustangs’ equestrian team and served as a captain. During her senior year, she was a Southeastern Hunter's Association and a New England Horse Association Adult Equestrian finalist.
After graduating from Mount Ida, Gallant-Backman worked as an instructor at the Magic Penny Farm in Hanover, Massachusetts and coached the Magic Penny Farm Interscholastic Equestrian Team from 2004 to 2010. She is presently teaching and training out of Legacy Stables in Carver, Massachusetts.
Gallant-Backman is currently in her third year on the East Bridgewater Fire Department as a firefighter and paramedic. She resides in Carver with her husband, Andrew, and three daughters, Kaelyn, Ariana, and Kyla.
The BSU equestrian team will begin its second season as a varsity sport in the fall of 2019.