FAQ

Q: How big is the club?
A: Although it varies from semester to semester, the club currently has about 40 members and is coed.

Q: What experience do members need?
A: None! We offer beginner through advanced group lessons each week.

Q: Do you offer jumping, dressage, or western?
A: We ride English, focusing on hunt seat equitation. Qualified riders are also provided jumping lessons. We do not train for western or dressage riding.

Q: Do I need to buy special clothes to ride in?
A: Riders need to ride in boots that cover their ankle, have about a 1/2" heel, and a hard sole. Riders may ride in jeans, but tighter pants without seams on the inside make riding much more comfortable and lower the risk of getting rubs, etc. An ASTM/SEI approved riding helmet is required, but Engleside Stables has some helmets available for use in lessons, though it is universally accepted that riders will buy this vital equipment shortly after committing to the club. As long as it is safe, tasteful, and neat it is okay to ride in.

Q: When/How often are lessons?
A: Each member rides in at least one group lesson per week for an hour, but more lessons are possible. Lesson times and days change each semester, but we usually ride at night during the week, and when possible schedule daytime lessons, too. This semester we will likely be riding Mondays through Saturdays.

Q: Is transportation provided?
A: Yes. Members with cars volunteer to drive to lessons each week and are reimbursed for gas money. We also have a student association van available to borrow from the university.

Q: Where does the club ride? Is there an indoor ring?
A: We ride at Engleside Stables, which is about 25 minutes from campus. The farm has both indoor and outdoor rings, so we can ride all winter long, driving conditions permitting.

Q: What are the horses like? Will I ride the same one every week?
A: The club uses Engleside Stable's lesson horses, which come in all sizes and skill levels. We do occasionally use some of the privately owned horses. It is the goal of the club to instruct riders how to ride a variety of horses, so it is unlikely you will remain with one horse for long, though you will be assigned one appropriate to your level and ability.

Q: What is the cost of joining the club/riding?
A: The exact cost of lessons is calculated on a semester to semester basis, as it depends on the size of the club. Riders usually pay half the lesson fee and some small (~$15) club dues to cover the drivers' gas money. The cost has been between $150-200 a semester; fundraisers help defray the cost. Competing with the show team has an additional set of fees (see below).

Q: Does the club compete? Is the club an IHSA member? Do I have to show?
A: The UR Equestrian Show Team competes in the IHSA, which is the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association. We are in Zone 2, Region 2, and compete at Cazenovia, Alfred, and St. Lawrence, and starting in 2005, we will host a show. All riders may compete in shows, which are held on weekends and are either 1 or 2 days. The host school provides horses for all competitors. Show participation is encouraged but is completely optional (cheering section welcome).

Q: How much does it cost to compete in the IHSA?
A: Riders may compete in ONE flat and ONE jumping class per day. Each class is $25, so a one day show costs $25-$50 to enter and a two day show can cost up to $50-$100 if you choose to show both days. Riders are also responsible for the trainer's fee and chipping in for gas money, plus money for food. If the team stays overnight we share our trainer's room & board costs, too. Lastly, there is a one time IHSA member fee of $20 and the show team splits the new $150 team membership fee.

Q: Do you show in any non-IHSA shows?
A: If you're not ready for IHSA competition (or you just want to have fun!) towards the end of the fall semester Engleside typically hosts an in-barn "schooling show" that all members of the Equestrian Club are encouraged to participate in. This also doubles as a Show Team fundraiser, as some of the class fees are donated to us in exchange for the Team's help preparing and running the show. You don't need special show clothes to compete in this show, but as a group we're always willing to help outfit each other with borrowed clothes whenever possible! If riders are interested in participating in the local and rated circuits, it can be arranged with the trainers, as Engleside is very active in open shows and attends most of them in the area.

Q: Do I need to buy a show outfit to show?
A: Show clothes can be expensive, so members who already have show clothes may be able to lend you something. Talk to Elizabeth, our show team captain, about it if you decide to show. Between the sales offered at local tack shops and current teammates everyone should be able to piece together a habit without breaking the bank.

Q: Can I bring my own horse?
A: Boarding at Engleside is a private treaty between you and the facility, and is not an area the University of Rochester or the URET is a part of. For more information, contact Engleside Stables.

Q: So how do I join?
A: The Equestrian club holds one interest meeting in the beginning of each semester. Look out for our banner in Wilson Commons, flyers, or announcements on the website!

If you still have questions, feel free to email our President: Risa (rbernst3@mail.rochester.edu).