EQUESTRIAN U

Do you want to join a riding team when you go to college? Here's what you need to know.

- ABIGAIL BOATWRIGHT

If you want to keep riding when you go to college, many universities have equestrian teams-but finding out how to join a team can be a challenge. We talked to two coaches and a student athlete about all the details on how to join, and what it's really like to be on an equestrian team. Let's get studying!

IHSA vs. NCEA

Most equestrian teams are part of either the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) or National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) as a National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) sport.

Ariel Higgins, the coach for Middle Tennessee State University's 2023 IHSA National Champion Western Team, says IHSA teams have categories ranging from Beginner to Open, so those teams look for riders at each experience level to join their teams.

IHSA English competition includes equitation on the flat and equitation over fences, and on the western side, horsemanship, reining and ranch riding.

Depending on the school, most NCEA team members have probably competed at the national or world championship level. Riders show in equitation on the flat, equitation over fences, horsemanship and reining.

Horses used in equestrian team competition are either school horses from the respective universities or horses donated for the event. Riders draw a horse to compete and spend only minutes with the horse-if any-before competing, which tests their skills as catch riders.

IHSA teams are not limited by gender, while NCEA only allows girls to be team members, in compliance with NCAA regulations.

TEAM LIFE

Collegiate equestrians may receive scholarships of varying amounts, from paying for textbooks to a full ride. Other perks could include team gear and clothing, meals, tutors, athletic trainers, athletic advisors, and more.

Ariel says another benefit is improved horsemanship, thanks to coaching and access to so many horses.