Education

EDUCATION
Reading, Riding and Rithmatic

Finlay College’s equestrian team was second in the Collegiate Cup

By William Tatgenhorst

If you are headed to college, you can combine the educational experience with your love of horses, regardless of whether you solely wish to ride and compete, seek a degree in equine studies, or both. However, it is important to understand that riding in college is somewhat different than ‘regular’ shows. Colleges and the organizations of which they are members have their own rules and you will find them slightly different than what you may have experienced in the past.

The good news is that you do not need to own a horse. If the school is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA), all riders are free to compete regardless of their riding ability or financial status. As long as you are in good academic standing, the horses and tack are provided by the school and the horse you ride in a competition is chosen by picking a name at random. Catch-riding, with no warm-up levels the playing field as well as demonstrates to the judges that you can ride a variety of horses. In addition, the IHSA has an alumni division which allows riders to compete after graduation, the only collegiate sport to do so.

Although there are virtually hundreds of schools from which to choose, there are several resources to assist you in your search. By far the most comprehensive is Horse Schools, which lists colleges, universities and preparatory schools in the U.S. and abroad. Riding disciplines, courses of study and contact information are included. Another valuable recourse is www.HorseSmarts.com which not only lists schools but has a link to their equestrian team website. The ANRC website has a list of member colleges and the IHSA and NCAA websites also have links to their member school’s websites.

Pick your discipline: English, Western, or Dressage. They’re all offered at college riding programs, but check to be sure the school has what you’re looking for
All photos by Dave Duncan

Ready to Join a Varsity of IHSA Riding Team?
All schools will require you to fill out a questionnaire about your riding history, request a resume and require access to your academic records and quite possibly a request a video of your riding. Some may even require an on-site try-out riding one of the school’s horses. Remember that whether you are an inexperienced rider looking for more time in the saddle or are seasoned competitor, there is a place on the team for you. If you are the latter, you might consider the American National Riding Commission (ANRC) which offers instructional clinics, "Equitrials" to improve your riding performance, as well as "Rider Certification Levels" to strengthen your skills.

What to Study?
Riding is only one aspect of the equestrian experience. It is also possible for you to seek an equine-related career in Equine Studies, Business or Facility Management, Marketing, Training or the Veterinary Sciences. Although difficult to find, there are many equine-related scholarships available, so extensive research is often necessary. Discipline-related groups such as the USDF, national organizations such as the USEF and USPC, national breed associations, local groups, and, of course the colleges or universities themselves offer many different scholarship opportunities.

So whether you are a highly experienced rider or just want to ride for the enjoyment - no matter if your passion is hunter, jumper, dressage, polo, western or even quadrille, equines and education do mix!