How do I join the team? 

 

First, come to one of our informational events during Week of Welcome (see our schedule page) and say hello! If you can't make either of those events, that's ok -- just make sure you're there for our first meeting. We'll be giving out all the information for paperwork and try-outs (see schedule for dates and times). If you miss try-outs, UO students are welcome to join at any point during the year but will only be able to compete if there is an open spot in their level. Send us an email on our contact page for more information on joining.

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What is IHSA?

 

The Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, or IHSA, is the national governing body for non-NCAA college equestrian teams. IHSA provides collegiate riders of all skills the opportunity to compete individually and as teams in equestrian competition. It was founded on the principle that any college student should be able to participate in horse shows regardless of his or her riding ability or financial status. The shows are based on catch-riding, and competitors are randomly assigned horses for their class and must compete without warming up their horse beforehand. There are 8 levels of Hunter Seat riding, from beginner to Medal/Maclay, and 6 levels of Western riding, from beginner through Open/Reining. Both disciplines are judged on the rider's equitation and ability, not on the horse's performance.

First, come to one of our informational events during Week of Welcome (see our schedule page) and say hello! If you can't make either of those events, that's ok -- just make sure you're there for our first meeting. We'll be giving out all the information for paperwork and try-outs (see schedule for dates and times). If you miss try-outs, UO students are welcome to join at any point during the year but will only be able to compete if there is an open spot in their level. Send us an email on our contact page for more information on joining.

What are try-outs like?

 

For the 2018-19 season, we will be implementing mandatory try-outs for all riders who wish to join the team, including returning members. Due to increased interest in the team, we have to limit our show team members as the shows in our area have strict limits on the number of riders. This ensures that everyone who pays show team dues gets to travel with the team on a regular basis. Currently, the limits for the hunt seat team are 3 riders per over fences class and 4 per flat class. The Western team will be limited to 3 riders per class. There are no limits on non-competing club members. Riders who do not want to compete will also be asked to attend try-outs so our coaches can evaluate their level and ensure they're placed in appropriate lessons on the right horses.

We run our try-outs similarly to an IHSA show. Riders will watch the horses warm up and be given a horse description sheet. Our coaches will assign each rider to a horse and split the riders into groups based on riding experience. Each group will be asked to ride a few exercises and may receive some feedback and a chance to ride the exercise again. We will be looking for riders with a solid position and good coachability, along with a positive attitude.

Please note that you don't have to be the absolute best or most experienced rider to get a spot on the team! We are often looking for riders with less experience as our lower level classes can be harder to fill. So try not to be intimidated by the try-out process. Even if you don't make the show team your first year, we are committed to helping all our members improve and hopefully earn a spot in the future.

Do I need my own horse?

 

No! Horses for our lessons are provided by our team coaches (see Facilities page). IHSA competition is a catch-riding system, with competitors randomly assigned horses for their classes, so even if you bring your own horse there's no guarantee you'll ever ride them in our shows.

If you are interested in bringing your horse to college, please contact us. Our team barns may have open stalls. We are also happy to recommend other options in the area.

What if I've never ridden before?

 

We are always happy to welcome those new to the sport to our team. IHSA has classes for riders of all levels, including Walk-Trot! If you aren't ready to commit to the show team, you can always join the club team to start.

Do I have to compete?

 

No! Our club team is a great, low-cost way to ride without the pressure to show. Club members get all the same benefits with our sponsors, coaches, and group activities. Many riders choose to join just the club team their first year to get used to the format before trying out for the show team.

How much does it cost?

 

As a club sport, we receive very little funding from the university. We do as much fundraising as we can to offset the cost, but we do charge dues for all of our members to help fund the team. For the 2015-16 season, dues for show members were $300 for the year. Club members pay a smaller term-based fee.

All dues-paying members, whether club or show team, will receive the team discount at our barns, sponsored items and related discounts, opportunities to participate in scrimmages and clinics for reduced or no cost, and access to our team bonding events. Show team dues also cover travel and hotel costs to all regular season shows, as well as all expenses paid for any post-season shows they qualify for. Weekly lessons, food, and regular season class fees ($35-45 per class with a maximum of 2 classes per show) are separate.

If you are worried about the cost, please contact us! We're happy to help members come up with payment plans to make the team affordable.

What equipment do I need?

 

We generally recommend that all members at least have their own riding boots and helmet (for hunt seat). Our home barns have a limited number of loaners and we do share at shows when possible, but it's nice to have your own.

Show team members will also need show clothes. Many team members are happy to share if you don't have one of these items, and we're in the process of building a lending closet to help new members get started.

Western: Jeans, hat or helmet, show shirt, cowboy boots, belt, chaps.
Hunt seat: Tan breeches, light show shirt, dark hunt coat, hairnet, black gloves, conservative belt, black tall boots (black paddock boots and nice half chaps can be acceptable for lower levels), conservative helmet.