FAQ

Q. How do I join the Equestrian Club?
A. At the beginning of each semester, Student Organization Services holds a Student Organization Night where we have members working a booth for new students to come and find out more about our club. This is where we hand out flyers with our first meeting time and location for new students. At the first club meting you will get the forms and information necessary to become a member. But if you can't make the first meeting, be sure to contact our President for more information about joining.

Q. How does lesson scheduling work?
A. Your lesson will be scheduled around your class schedule and ability. Lessons are generally between 11:00am and 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday. If you are interested in signing up for lessons and want more information contact one of the captains depending on which type of riding you would like to do. Abbey Randa and Katie LaDow are the English Captains and Alissa Claisser is the Western Captain.

Q. How do I get to the barn to lesson if I don't have a car?
A. We make sure everyone gets to their lesson, even if they don't have a car. Designated drivers are set at the beginning of each semseter for each lesson. If a driver cannot make their lesson for some reason one week, another driver or officer usually volunteers to drive.

Q. What riding discipline does the Equestrian Team practice?
A. UDET members compete and ride both English or Western. It is up to the member to choose between the two, or even both!

Q. Do I have to have horse experience to take riding lessons?
A. No. We have coaches and horses suitable for all levels of riders. Beginners are welcome!

Q. Do I have to have my own tack and equipment to take lessons?
A. Members are required to supply themselves with the bare necessities; helmets, riding pants, boots, gloves etc. However both barns provided the tack for the horses, so there is no need to purchase saddles, bridles, etc.

Q. How do the IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Show Association) shows work?
A. Our team competes against other colleges within our division, Zone 4, Region 4. Teams travel to the host school and ride their horses. Riders will draw their horses shortly before they show, and are not given any time to warm up before their showing. Riders are judged on their equitation. For more information about IHSA, visit their website at www.ihsainc.com.

Q. What schools does UDET compete against?
A. The schools that are currently in Zone 4 Region 4 include: University of Delaware, Burlington County College, Drexel University, Salisbury University, Temple University, United States Naval Academy, University of Pennysylvania, Valley Forge Military College, Villanova University and Washington College

Q. Who gets to show?
A. The number of show riders varies with each show depending on the amount of students each school is allowed to have.This number is usually determined by the amount of horses the hosting school has for the day. The A-Team showing members will show at each and every show and B-Team members will be allowed to show at open shows or shows that have extra rides.

Q. How does UDET divide it's riders up?
A. First you must be placed in a division depending on your dicipline. Placements are held usually within the first few weekends of fall semester at Granite Springs Stables. The Coach and Captains work together to place each new member within a division that weekend, whether you want to show or not. Placements allows for each member to be grouped and then placed into a lesson so a beginner rider does not end up in an advanced lesson and vice versa.

Q. How do I try out for A-Team and what are the A-Team requirements?
A. Shortly following Placements is tryouts. Not everyone is required to try out for the team but we strongly encourage everyone to try out! The A-Team has two slots available for each class, with two alternates (in case someone moves up in a division or cant show for some reason). A-Team members must attend every show as well as weekly meetings. They are also required to lesson at least once a week and particpate in all fundraisers for the team.