| What is the college riding experience like? |
The staff at EquestrianCollegeRecruiter.com interviewed several college riding coaches and team captains about what the
college riding experience was like. Below are a few of the responses.
What do college-level equestrian organizations add to a student's college experience?
1. It gives a student an opportunity to continue competing without having the financial/time commitment of bringing their horse
to school with them. Specifically at the University of Pittsburgh-which is an urban campus-the students get the opportunity to
leave the city, continue to ride, and get a break from urban living.In addition, members of the IHSA are eligible for several
scholarship opportunities-I strongly encourage students to apply for these. Becki Bloom, Head Coach, University of Pittsburgh,
PA
2. They develop team building skills, create friendships and networking that assist in college and way after.
Lori Cramer, Miami Equestrian, Director of Riding.
3. Being able to integrate their riding into pursuing a college degree is important for the serious rider who is college bound.
Traditionally, the choices for competitive riders going to college have been to reduce their involvement in riding in order to
pursue a non-equine related degree or to attend a college that offers equine degrees. Intercollegiate competitions permit
students to find the best fit in a degree program without having to give up horses for 4 years. For riders who have always
shown as individuals, the chance to be part of a team is a unique opportunity. Carol Burrowbridge, Mercer College, Head Coach
4. Our team at Wellesley is primarily a way for our members to continue riding while in college. It is a great opportunity to
continue riding and competing without a lot of pressure, time requirement, and without having to own and keep your own
horse. Amelia C. Cutler, Wellesley Equestrian Captain.
5. An opportunity to grow as a rider as well as a leader. Erin S. LeCompt, Moorehead State University Head Coach.
6. It provides the collegiate"team" experience to the Equestrian athletes as well as the more traditional collegiate sports do. For
many this is a new and valuable concept. Eddie Federwisch, Virginia Intermont Head Coach.
7. Getting involved with student organizations is so important to having a successful and meaningful college experience. While
academics are of course a priority, organizations such as an equestrian team are an outlet for growth, as well as making friends
and memories that you will cherish for life. Involvement to a group with a united cause or goal is incredibly valuable. For
example, on CUET we regularly talk about how much the team has helped us develop, bond, and learn new skills that will be
vital to our futures, wherever those might be and whatever they might entail. It is also a wonderful opportunity for people who
have never been able to ride or show before. Many teammates would not have the option of learning to ride or of competing if
it weren’t for the IHSA and their respective team, making the team a invaluable. Charlotte Powers, Clemson University,
Equestrian Team Vice President.
How competitive is the entry process?
1. One important aspect of the IHSA is its appreciation of all riders and the opportunities it presents to riders of every level,
from top A circuit riders to those who have never come in contact with a horse before. Because of this, riders of these varying
degrees of experience are all welcome to join CUET- in fact, having beginners is important for shows as well, as the points
earned in Walk-Trot are equal to those of Open, the highest level. We accept everyone who wants to join, and as a result,
have a large team of about 50 members. It is our belief, which reflects the ideals of the IHSA, that everyone should have the
opportunity to ride and become involved with a team. Charlotte Powers, Clemson University, Equestrian Team Vice President.
2. It is truly a matter to be determined by the individual colleges and student perspectives. Eddie Federwisch, Virginia
Intermont Head Coach.
3. The entry process for our team is not competitive at all, we accept all interested students. As a club sport we do not hold
tryouts, and as an IHSA team, we require members of all levels. Amelia C. Cutler, Wellesley Equestrian Captain.
4.We are a club sport so there are no tryouts but required events, GPA and sponsors. Erin S. LeCompt, Moorehead State
University Head Coach.
5.We host try-outs in the fall and take approximately 80 of the 125 that try-out and those that do not make the team are offered
riding lessons and to contribute to be a part of the Miami riding experience and try-out later. Lori Cramer, Miami Equestrian,
Director of Riding.
6. The equestrian club at The University of Pittsburgh is a "club sport" so membership is open to full time undergraduate
students. Because the competitions offer limited entries, anyone is welcome to join the club, but their is no guarantee that every
member will have the opportunity to compete. Becki Bloom, Head Coach, University of Pittsburgh, PA
7. It can vary greatly from school to school depending on number of students at the school interesting in competing. Some
teams are open to anyone willing to put forth the commitment in time and effort and others are highly competitive and not
everyone will have a chance to compete at the shows. Carol Burrowbridge, Mercer College, Head Coach
How much of a "time management crunch" will it put on a student's studies?
1. Most students are accustomed to juggling studying and riding or other activities. Obviously the time crunch will depend upon
how demanding their degree program is and how demanding the riding program is and will vary from student to student. Some
teams will have study hall, fitness training or barn work requirements that will all so have to be added to the students time
management load. I would say that excluding any travel to and from the stable, students should plan on a devoting at least 5
hours a week to practice and related activities if they want to be competitive. Carol Burrowbridge, Mercer College, Head Coach
2. It is much like having a 3 credit class-the students have practice one night a week-with travel time factored in, the students
need to plan to be away from campus for 2 1/2 to 3 hours on their riding days, then those who compete in the IHSA shows,
have travel/shows in the weekend. Becki Bloom, Head Coach, University of Pittsburgh, PA
3. Academics are the priority and we are able to schedule around this and accommodate. Students are required to utilize time
management skills but we assist. Lori Cramer, Miami Equestrian, Director of Riding.
4. I believe college in general is about time management so my riders know in advance what time is required of them and they
work well within those time frames. Erin S. LeCompt, Moorehead State University Head Coach.
5. Our team is fairly relaxed, and does not require a great time commitment. A typical week is a 45 minute workout, 3 hours for
lessons and a half hour meeting. Amelia C. Cutler, Wellesley Equestrian Captain.
6. Again it depends on the commitment and the time the student is able to invest. The IHSA was founded to provide this
opportunity with the collegiate requirements in mind. Eddie Federwisch, Virginia Intermont Head Coach.
7. All IHSA teams differ on the time required. While CUET does have some mandatory events, such as fund raising horseshows
and meetings, it is an organization that allows you to get involved without consuming your entire schedule. Most team members
are involved with many other organizations as well, such as sororities, other sports, and service organizations. A good
illustration of this is that most teammates on CUET have excellent grades (over a 3.5 GPA); many are members of the Honors
College, and all come from a diverse range of majors, including biology, engineering, psychology, and more. Quite a few riders
have their own horses as well, who they ride daily. Much of CUET is how much each individual desires to put into it- there are
so many opportunities to be involved and spend time with teammates, most of which are fully voluntary. Charlotte Powers,
Clemson University, Equestrian Team Vice President.
What are some key factors or qualities students should have when they apply to be on a team?
1. A rider should be coachable, a team player, and have a good sense of humor about oneself and others. Lori Cramer, Miami
Equestrian, Director of Riding.
2. A love for the horses, barn and sport, along with dedication to the group. Erin S. LeCompt, Moorehead State University Head
Coach.
3. All we require is that students be interested and willing to put in a little bit of effort-attend meetings, workouts, lessons,
shows, and assist with fundraising. Amelia C. Cutler, Wellesley Equestrian Captain.
4. Sportsmanship, good work ethic and excitement. Eddie Federwisch, Virginia Intermont Head Coach.
5. First is having a good sense of humor. 2nd-and this is sometimes difficult for students who have an extensive show
background-is the ability to put the "goal of the team" ahead of "personal goals" with respect to collegiate riding.
Becki Bloom, Head Coach, University of Pittsburgh, PA
6. The key qualities that I look for in a rider are desire to make riding and team activities one of their top priorities and a
willingness to work hard to learn how to be a better rider and horseman. I expect students to be open to learning, serious
about becoming a better equitation rider and to take the time to care for the horse and tack before and after each ride.
Carol Burrowbridge, Mercer College, Head Coach
7. Dedication, a desire to learn, a good attitude, and a desire to have fun are the main qualities team members should have.
Equestrian teams are about coming together, supporting one another, and learning. Through these factors, it is also about
growing as a student, a friend, and a professional; so many qualities that one develops, such as leadership and responsibility,
are applicable to future careers and aspirations, and are therefore tremendously valuable. Charlotte Powers, Clemson
University, Equestrian Team Vice President.
Do you have any tips to help students be successful in their college athletic/ equestrian activities?
1. Get involved! College is not just about books and exams; it is about learning, growing, changing, and finding out who you
are. By getting involved with groups, organizations, and teams, you’ll discover qualities that you didn’t know you had, goals you
will aspire to, and friends that will change your life. Charlotte Powers, Clemson University, Equestrian Team Vice President.
2. Study! Compete! Succeed! Eddie Federwisch, Virginia Intermont Head Coach.
3. None in particular, it really depends on the school, riding program and personal goals. Amelia C. Cutler, Wellesley
Equestrian Captain.
4. Have a great work ethic not only in the sport but in classes as well. I can promise you bad grades are not a result of the team
but the choices made by the riders at night and on weekends. Erin S. LeCompt, Moorehead State University Head Coach.
5. Accurately represent your show/riding experience. Be open to differences in riding disciplines. If your background is in
eventing and you are trying out for a hunter seat IHSA team-be open and receptive to the fact they are different disciplines,
and be willing to adapt. BE NICE-collegiate riding is a team sport- in the IHSA the Walk Trot rider's points count just as much as
the Open Rider. Be as "riding fit" and in shape as you can be, and make a good impression at your tryout by having your shirt
tucked into your clean breeches, wearing a belt, polishing your boots, and have your hair neatly contained in net.
Becki Bloom, Head Coach, University of Pittsburgh, PA
6. Be honest with yourself and decide what you want to get out of college and college riding. If you do want to ride in college,
be prepared to make it a priority, approach it with discipline and treat yourself and the horses as athletes. Both college-level
courses and competitive riding require good time management and good self-management. Carol Burrowbridge, Mercer
College, Head Coach
7. Enjoy your riding and see it as part of the big picture. Laugh and work hard, celebrate the little victories and keep your eye
on the prize ( I stole that last part from my assistant hunt seat coach) she is a great motivator. Lori Cramer, Miami Equestrian,
Director of Riding.
college riding experience was like. Below are a few of the responses.
What do college-level equestrian organizations add to a student's college experience?
1. It gives a student an opportunity to continue competing without having the financial/time commitment of bringing their horse
to school with them. Specifically at the University of Pittsburgh-which is an urban campus-the students get the opportunity to
leave the city, continue to ride, and get a break from urban living.In addition, members of the IHSA are eligible for several
scholarship opportunities-I strongly encourage students to apply for these. Becki Bloom, Head Coach, University of Pittsburgh,
PA
2. They develop team building skills, create friendships and networking that assist in college and way after.
Lori Cramer, Miami Equestrian, Director of Riding.
3. Being able to integrate their riding into pursuing a college degree is important for the serious rider who is college bound.
Traditionally, the choices for competitive riders going to college have been to reduce their involvement in riding in order to
pursue a non-equine related degree or to attend a college that offers equine degrees. Intercollegiate competitions permit
students to find the best fit in a degree program without having to give up horses for 4 years. For riders who have always
shown as individuals, the chance to be part of a team is a unique opportunity. Carol Burrowbridge, Mercer College, Head Coach
4. Our team at Wellesley is primarily a way for our members to continue riding while in college. It is a great opportunity to
continue riding and competing without a lot of pressure, time requirement, and without having to own and keep your own
horse. Amelia C. Cutler, Wellesley Equestrian Captain.
5. An opportunity to grow as a rider as well as a leader. Erin S. LeCompt, Moorehead State University Head Coach.
6. It provides the collegiate"team" experience to the Equestrian athletes as well as the more traditional collegiate sports do. For
many this is a new and valuable concept. Eddie Federwisch, Virginia Intermont Head Coach.
7. Getting involved with student organizations is so important to having a successful and meaningful college experience. While
academics are of course a priority, organizations such as an equestrian team are an outlet for growth, as well as making friends
and memories that you will cherish for life. Involvement to a group with a united cause or goal is incredibly valuable. For
example, on CUET we regularly talk about how much the team has helped us develop, bond, and learn new skills that will be
vital to our futures, wherever those might be and whatever they might entail. It is also a wonderful opportunity for people who
have never been able to ride or show before. Many teammates would not have the option of learning to ride or of competing if
it weren’t for the IHSA and their respective team, making the team a invaluable. Charlotte Powers, Clemson University,
Equestrian Team Vice President.
How competitive is the entry process?
1. One important aspect of the IHSA is its appreciation of all riders and the opportunities it presents to riders of every level,
from top A circuit riders to those who have never come in contact with a horse before. Because of this, riders of these varying
degrees of experience are all welcome to join CUET- in fact, having beginners is important for shows as well, as the points
earned in Walk-Trot are equal to those of Open, the highest level. We accept everyone who wants to join, and as a result,
have a large team of about 50 members. It is our belief, which reflects the ideals of the IHSA, that everyone should have the
opportunity to ride and become involved with a team. Charlotte Powers, Clemson University, Equestrian Team Vice President.
2. It is truly a matter to be determined by the individual colleges and student perspectives. Eddie Federwisch, Virginia
Intermont Head Coach.
3. The entry process for our team is not competitive at all, we accept all interested students. As a club sport we do not hold
tryouts, and as an IHSA team, we require members of all levels. Amelia C. Cutler, Wellesley Equestrian Captain.
4.We are a club sport so there are no tryouts but required events, GPA and sponsors. Erin S. LeCompt, Moorehead State
University Head Coach.
5.We host try-outs in the fall and take approximately 80 of the 125 that try-out and those that do not make the team are offered
riding lessons and to contribute to be a part of the Miami riding experience and try-out later. Lori Cramer, Miami Equestrian,
Director of Riding.
6. The equestrian club at The University of Pittsburgh is a "club sport" so membership is open to full time undergraduate
students. Because the competitions offer limited entries, anyone is welcome to join the club, but their is no guarantee that every
member will have the opportunity to compete. Becki Bloom, Head Coach, University of Pittsburgh, PA
7. It can vary greatly from school to school depending on number of students at the school interesting in competing. Some
teams are open to anyone willing to put forth the commitment in time and effort and others are highly competitive and not
everyone will have a chance to compete at the shows. Carol Burrowbridge, Mercer College, Head Coach
How much of a "time management crunch" will it put on a student's studies?
1. Most students are accustomed to juggling studying and riding or other activities. Obviously the time crunch will depend upon
how demanding their degree program is and how demanding the riding program is and will vary from student to student. Some
teams will have study hall, fitness training or barn work requirements that will all so have to be added to the students time
management load. I would say that excluding any travel to and from the stable, students should plan on a devoting at least 5
hours a week to practice and related activities if they want to be competitive. Carol Burrowbridge, Mercer College, Head Coach
2. It is much like having a 3 credit class-the students have practice one night a week-with travel time factored in, the students
need to plan to be away from campus for 2 1/2 to 3 hours on their riding days, then those who compete in the IHSA shows,
have travel/shows in the weekend. Becki Bloom, Head Coach, University of Pittsburgh, PA
3. Academics are the priority and we are able to schedule around this and accommodate. Students are required to utilize time
management skills but we assist. Lori Cramer, Miami Equestrian, Director of Riding.
4. I believe college in general is about time management so my riders know in advance what time is required of them and they
work well within those time frames. Erin S. LeCompt, Moorehead State University Head Coach.
5. Our team is fairly relaxed, and does not require a great time commitment. A typical week is a 45 minute workout, 3 hours for
lessons and a half hour meeting. Amelia C. Cutler, Wellesley Equestrian Captain.
6. Again it depends on the commitment and the time the student is able to invest. The IHSA was founded to provide this
opportunity with the collegiate requirements in mind. Eddie Federwisch, Virginia Intermont Head Coach.
7. All IHSA teams differ on the time required. While CUET does have some mandatory events, such as fund raising horseshows
and meetings, it is an organization that allows you to get involved without consuming your entire schedule. Most team members
are involved with many other organizations as well, such as sororities, other sports, and service organizations. A good
illustration of this is that most teammates on CUET have excellent grades (over a 3.5 GPA); many are members of the Honors
College, and all come from a diverse range of majors, including biology, engineering, psychology, and more. Quite a few riders
have their own horses as well, who they ride daily. Much of CUET is how much each individual desires to put into it- there are
so many opportunities to be involved and spend time with teammates, most of which are fully voluntary. Charlotte Powers,
Clemson University, Equestrian Team Vice President.
What are some key factors or qualities students should have when they apply to be on a team?
1. A rider should be coachable, a team player, and have a good sense of humor about oneself and others. Lori Cramer, Miami
Equestrian, Director of Riding.
2. A love for the horses, barn and sport, along with dedication to the group. Erin S. LeCompt, Moorehead State University Head
Coach.
3. All we require is that students be interested and willing to put in a little bit of effort-attend meetings, workouts, lessons,
shows, and assist with fundraising. Amelia C. Cutler, Wellesley Equestrian Captain.
4. Sportsmanship, good work ethic and excitement. Eddie Federwisch, Virginia Intermont Head Coach.
5. First is having a good sense of humor. 2nd-and this is sometimes difficult for students who have an extensive show
background-is the ability to put the "goal of the team" ahead of "personal goals" with respect to collegiate riding.
Becki Bloom, Head Coach, University of Pittsburgh, PA
6. The key qualities that I look for in a rider are desire to make riding and team activities one of their top priorities and a
willingness to work hard to learn how to be a better rider and horseman. I expect students to be open to learning, serious
about becoming a better equitation rider and to take the time to care for the horse and tack before and after each ride.
Carol Burrowbridge, Mercer College, Head Coach
7. Dedication, a desire to learn, a good attitude, and a desire to have fun are the main qualities team members should have.
Equestrian teams are about coming together, supporting one another, and learning. Through these factors, it is also about
growing as a student, a friend, and a professional; so many qualities that one develops, such as leadership and responsibility,
are applicable to future careers and aspirations, and are therefore tremendously valuable. Charlotte Powers, Clemson
University, Equestrian Team Vice President.
Do you have any tips to help students be successful in their college athletic/ equestrian activities?
1. Get involved! College is not just about books and exams; it is about learning, growing, changing, and finding out who you
are. By getting involved with groups, organizations, and teams, you’ll discover qualities that you didn’t know you had, goals you
will aspire to, and friends that will change your life. Charlotte Powers, Clemson University, Equestrian Team Vice President.
2. Study! Compete! Succeed! Eddie Federwisch, Virginia Intermont Head Coach.
3. None in particular, it really depends on the school, riding program and personal goals. Amelia C. Cutler, Wellesley
Equestrian Captain.
4. Have a great work ethic not only in the sport but in classes as well. I can promise you bad grades are not a result of the team
but the choices made by the riders at night and on weekends. Erin S. LeCompt, Moorehead State University Head Coach.
5. Accurately represent your show/riding experience. Be open to differences in riding disciplines. If your background is in
eventing and you are trying out for a hunter seat IHSA team-be open and receptive to the fact they are different disciplines,
and be willing to adapt. BE NICE-collegiate riding is a team sport- in the IHSA the Walk Trot rider's points count just as much as
the Open Rider. Be as "riding fit" and in shape as you can be, and make a good impression at your tryout by having your shirt
tucked into your clean breeches, wearing a belt, polishing your boots, and have your hair neatly contained in net.
Becki Bloom, Head Coach, University of Pittsburgh, PA
6. Be honest with yourself and decide what you want to get out of college and college riding. If you do want to ride in college,
be prepared to make it a priority, approach it with discipline and treat yourself and the horses as athletes. Both college-level
courses and competitive riding require good time management and good self-management. Carol Burrowbridge, Mercer
College, Head Coach
7. Enjoy your riding and see it as part of the big picture. Laugh and work hard, celebrate the little victories and keep your eye
on the prize ( I stole that last part from my assistant hunt seat coach) she is a great motivator. Lori Cramer, Miami Equestrian,
Director of Riding.
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