Culver Academies, known for their historic Black Horse Troop and Equestriennes horsemanship units, will bring their traditions to the World Equestrian Games Opening Ceremonies on Sept. 25.

"I am very excited Culver has been chosen," said Mark Waller, director of instruction at Culver. "I'm confident that we can really put on a good show and give a good impression of Culver's riding program."

The Culver riding program, which was founded in 1897, is comprised of several equestrian sports such as dressage, polo, jumping, and vaulting. Their horsemanship unit began with the purchase of 16 mounts of the Cleveland National Guard's Black Horse Troop. From this, Culver formed its own all-boys Black Horse Troop, which has grown to around 90 riders.

In 1913, the Black Horse Troop participated in the first inaugural parade of President Woodrow Wilson, and has since participated in 15 inaugural parades, including President Barack Obama's in 2009. The Troop has also escorted Queen Elizabeth II of England and participated in the Opening Ceremonies of the 11th Pan-American Games