- Can I bring my horse?
You do not need a horse to join the equestrian team, however, if you have a horse and would like to bring it to Bellingham
that's great! The team is geared towards riding different horses as are shows.
However we can recommend boarding options and if possible incorporate your horse into weekly practice rides and home shows.
- How do practice rides work?
Practice rides are held Wednesdays during fall and winter quarter at our Coach's private barn about 25 minutes from campus.
We generally have 2 groups ride for one hour on 6-8 provided horses. All members help to tack up and groom horses before and after.
- Are there other riding opportunities?
We always recommend you ride as much as possible! Our coach sometimes allows students to do barn chores in exchange
for riding or lessons. Those interested in jumping are encouraged to take private lessons at other location in Bellingham.
- How do shows work?
Teams in our Region take turns hosting shows in which horses are donated by the local equestrian community.
Riders are randomly matched with a horse to compete on and led into the ring.
Judges place riders based on their equitation and points are awarded from 1st to 6th place.
As riders compete they accumulate points and once 35 points is reached they are bumped up
to the next class level and are eligible to compete in Regional Championships and from there possibly Zones or Nationals!
- What disciplines can I compete in?
Riders can compete in Hunt seat on the flat, over fences, Western Horsemanship and Reining.
Classes are arranged based on experience level, from walk, beginning walk trot canter, novice, intermediate, advanced and open.
- Do I need show clothes?
Show clothes are necessary however members are usually willing to share what they can so we look our best! Tall boots,
breeches, hunt shirt and jacket with velvet helmet for English. Suede chaps, show vest or shirt and cowboy hat for Western.
- How much does it cost?
Team dues vary from year to year but generally cost about $200 and cover weekly practice rides during fall and winter
quarter and most travel expenses for shows. In addition, individual riders are expected to pay for their own class entry
fees which cost $25 per class.
- How do I join?
Contact the team in the fall to find out about informational meetings, tryouts and other details.
You can also look for our booth at the annual fall info fair in Red Square. Prospective members will have to tryout,
fill out IHSA paperwork and pay team dues.
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