Frequently Asked Questions
Joining the Team
Do I need any riding experience to join the team?
Past riding/show experience is a plus, but is not necessary. The show roster needs riders of all levels, and we have had members who have ridden all their lives as well as those who had never even been on a horse prior to team. Riders can also opt not to horse show and still be a part of the team! You will be put into lessons based on ability to make sure you are in a group with others with similar skill levels.
What style of riding does the team do?
We ride English in shows and lessons, but our riders come from all different backgrounds. If Only Farm is primarily a hunter/jumper barn but offers instruction in dressage and other disciplines as well. The IHSA is judged on equitation, so riders will be working on their position and a solid connection to their horse in lessons.
How do I get started with the team?
During the first week of classes we will have a table at the organization fair. This is where you can ask more questions, talk with us in person, and write down your email. After this you will be invited to our information session in early September where you can sign up for tryouts and learn more about the team. Members are also welcome to join us during the spring semester!! Anyone looking for more information or that has questions can also email the team account at icequestrian1@gmail.com.
What can I expect at tryouts?
After the information session, tryouts are scheduled for early to mid-September at If Only Farm. You should wear/bring your nicest (English) show gear, or whatever you have that's riding appropriate. New riders should wear show gear so the coach can make sure that what you have fits you correctly and is up to IHSA standards. For tryouts you will use the lesson horses in groups of about six and be asked to walk/trot/canter and possibly jump a few jumps (up to your skill level). After tryouts, you will hear about making the team within a week. Riders who do not have show attire or riding gear should wear a boot with a heel and tighter fitting athletic clothes.
Are there team cuts?
Cuts are dependent on how many people try out for the team. The chance of cuts is slim because we do have non-competing members who can still be a part of the team. However, if there is a huge interest, there is a possibility of making team cuts. Returning members are not guaranteed a spot on the team and have to participate in tryouts alongside the new members. Tryouts are more a chance for our coaches to see where riders will best fit into lessons or potential show divisions.
How much does it cost to be a part of the team?
The cost of the team depends on how many lessons you choose to take. The school pays for most of our additional fees such as show and hotel costs, but you are responsible for some as well (such as gas money for your driver to and from shows/lessons). Dues fluctuate semester, but for Fall 2023, the cost is $1180 for two lessons per week and $685 for one lesson per week. This is a per semester fee, so expect to pay again in January. This cost encompasses lesson fees and team dues. There is also a $40 fee for becoming a member of the IHSA if you are on the show team. Other expenses include riding attire (if needed) and food at horse shows. Prices will be different depending on how many weeks are in the semester this year because of COVID-19.
Can I be on the team but not show?
Yes! Many members of the team choose to only take lessons through the barn. Students who are not on the show team are still welcome to attend team bonding events and fundraisers. Additionally, all students are encouraged to attend shows to cheer on their teammates regardless of whether or not they are on the show team. You also may come in not wanting to show and change your mind, or vice-versa, you aren’t set in the decision you choose when you first join!
What is the team atmosphere like?
Keeping a positive team atmosphere is something that the officers, coaches, and barn members have worked very hard on. Positivity, team-inclusion, and respect are extremely important to us! It makes a huge difference in the way we ride as a team and individually when there is a strong team spirit in the air. We're a very close team and this helps in supporting one another.
How big of a commitment is the team?
A lot of your experience on the team depends on what you make of it. We have members who are out at the barn five days a week (attending lessons, helping with chores, hacking horses), and others who only attend their lessons. Commitment and professionalism is essential to being a part of the team, but there are some members who are more involved than others. That being said, all members are expected to participate in fundraising and bonding events when they do come up!
Lessons & What You Need to Bring
Where do we ride, and how do we get there?
ICET practices at If Only Farm in Freeville, NY, which is about 20 minutes from the school. See www.ifonlyfarm.com for more information. As for transportation, we believe in the pay-it-forward method, so freshmen will always have a ride to lessons by upperclassmen; they will have to pay their drivers gas money. Once they have their own car on campus as a sophomore, junior, or senior, they are asked to drive others to lessons. This same concept applies to horse shows. Each Thursday before the weekend of a show we hold a meeting where we sign up to carpool to the show. You do NOT need to have a car, but if you do we ask that you carpool so everyone can get to the barn that needs to!
What riding equipment do I need to bring to school?
Bring all riding gear that you have to college. We do ride in every sort of weather (given the road conditions are safe). This means we ride in the cold! Make sure your breeches are warm and you have tight-fitting clothing so we can see your position during lessons. If you have your own saddle, you are free to bring it, but know that you cannot ride in your own saddle at the horse shows. If you have never ridden, bring boots with an inch heel and comfortable jeans. If you decide to commit to the team you should buy yourself a dependable pair of riding pants and boots. Coaches can help you with this process. If you hope to show, please make sure to bring any show attire you may have for tryouts.
Shows & IHSA
Is there an "on" season?
Yes, all the time! The season starts within weeks of the beginning of school and ends just before winter finals. We start back up the first week of the spring semester and ride until mid-April. Nationals are usually the beginning of May so some riders could potentially be riding until then.
When are shows and which will I attend?
The show schedule is usually six shows in the fall and two in the spring (not counting regionals, zones, or nationals). You will know after tryouts whether or not you will be on the show roster for the season, but the rides for each individual show are sent out about a week ahead of time. So, write down all of the dates at the informational meeting and keep in mind that you could potentially be showing on any of those weekends if you make it onto the roster! If you have conflicts and make it on the show roster, let coaches know as soon as you know of them so that you aren’t on the roster.
What is the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association standard for riding attire at shows?
If you have show attire then that is great, but it does have to uphold a certain standard. Many riders share their riding gear so if you don't have everything you need, don't worry. Your helmet must be ASTM and SEI certified. You will need a hairnet, belt, and black gloves. Your jacket should fit correctly and be either navy, grey, or black with a show shirt underneath. Your show shirt should be a subtle pastel, white with pinstripe, or solid white (preferred). Breeches should be a tan or beige color and fit snuggly. Tall boots that are high enough on your leg, fit snuggly but comfortably, and have a proper heel are required.
Where are shows and how do I get there?
Shows are currently at the Alfred University facility in Alfred, NY, Lehman Farms in Rochester, NY, and The Oxley Equestrian Center in Ithaca, NY. Upperclassmen will drive to the shows and all passengers will be required to pay gas money. The school will cover hotel fees.