To Our Future University of Oregon Equestrian Member:
Welcome to our website! We hope you join us to ride, compete, and enjoy collegiate life at the University of Oregon! Joining the Equestrian Team is a great way to improve your equestrian skills, compete in a close team atmosphere, and meet some really wonderful horse people! I hope this introductory letter answers all your questions!
The University of Oregon Equestrian Team accepts riders of all levels, from the beginner to the most advanced; we definitely have challenges for everyone. It is important that you involve yourself with the team right from the beginning. During Week One of Fall term the Club Sports program hosts an Open House at 6:00 in the Fir Room of the EMU for all interested students. This is a great chance to meet the team coordinator and returning members, and most of all, learn a little bit more about the team. During the following week, the first week of October, the team hosts the Equestrian Open House. This meeting is very important to attend as official paperwork is passed out, the team is discussed more in depth, and new members begin their registration process. Please make sure you attend both of these meetings, otherwise you will be far behind in the application process
Of course there are elements to being a member of the team besides paperwork. Every week we hold team meetings that last an hour and half to ensure the continuity of our team. These meetings are mandatory. We will also ask that every member take at least one lesson per week, with our trainer and at our barn, Whispering Meadows. If you already have a set lesson schedule and private trainer of your own in Eugene that will suffice as well. You do not have to own or lease your own horse to be a member of the team. We do charge team dues, which can change year to year. Dues are collected to pay for show entry fees, traveling costs, and hotels.
Competition:
We compete through I.H.S.A. (Intercollegiate Horse Show Association) in 10 competitions throughout fall and winter term followed by three qualifying shows during spring term. We typically travel through Washington and Oregon but for qualifying spring shows we travel nationally. We participate in Zone 8 Region 4 of I.H.S.A. meaning we compete against Linn Benton Community College, Oregon State University, Seattle University, University of Washington, Washington State University and Western Washington University.
I.H.S.A. competitions can often be challenging for riders of all backgrounds and levels. Riders can compete in English Equitation, Jumping, Western Equitation, or Reining. All classes are judged Equitation (meaning the rider is judged, not the horse). As a rider, you will select a number that represents your horse and will then compete without the chance to warm up with the horse. However, there are posted descriptions of your horse and owners are typically available for advice. Don't worry - it sounds scarier than it is! Equitation judging usually ensures that we will be riding different horses every show (donated, borrowed, etc). Competing on different horses will give you more confidence and make you a strong, more experienced rider.
While every rider does not have to own every single article of show clothes, we do recommend riders to come prepared with basic show outfits. On that note, most members are usually missing something (a cowboy hat or a hunt jacket, etc) so there is some swapping and sharing Ð just part of being a team. Of course, it is always easier to bring your own outfits. Showing is formal, i.e. tall boots, western chaps, etc.
Triple Rise Equestrian Center
Please Click HERE to check out their website
University of Oregon Team Coordinator and the Equestrian Team