Categories: College Life

8 Reasons to Join Your College Equestrian Team

Horseback riding, although intimidating to some, is an awesome experience offered by most colleges. Equestrian teams, or IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Show Association) teams are very popular, and a great middle ground between club sports and super-competitive sports. Need more convincing? Here are eight great reasons.

1. Anyone can join.

Male or female, 17 years old or 23, freshman or super senior – it doesn’t matter! You just have to be enrolled at the college to join.

refinedguy.com

2. You don’t even have to know how to ride.

Equestrian teams are one of the few teams where it looks better to have riders from all backgrounds. There are multiple levels of competition, so complete beginners are welcomed, as well as people who have been riding since they could walk.

rantlifestyle.com

3. Meet a new group of friends…to horse around with.

Looking for a new way to meet people outside of classes and parties? This is the place!

horseandhound.co.uk

4. Riding is FUN. Really.

For those of you who have never even been on a horse, it is a unique experience. Why wouldn’t you want to feel like you’re flying around an arena, working together with a 1500 pound animal?

24.media.

5. It’s competitive, but not TOO competitive.

Although you are competing by yourself on your assigned horse for individual points, teams are also ranked. So, if you have a bad ride, the rest of the team can make up for it. If you have a good ride, both you and your team get to celebrate!

6. You can actually afford it.

Wanted to ride earlier in your life, but couldn’t afford it? IHSA teams usually have contracts with local barns, so lessons become more affordable due to group rates. Also, you don’t need your own horse to participate– the barn provides them!

brightestyoungthings.com

7. Riding is a great stress reliever.

College life accompanies so many potentially stressful situations– papers, relationships, friendships, exams and dorm life. Riding is a great way to relieve built-up stress, as it is a form of exercise. Working together with your horse is a great way to restore inner peace.

See Also

31.media.

8. You get to wear cool outfits.

During shows, part of the judging is based upon appearance. You’ll learn to appreciate the beauty of hair nets.

www.youknowyoulovefashion.com

9. You’ll get to spend more time outdoors.

If you’re tired of sitting around in class or being cooped up in the library to study, riding is the perfect excuse to get up and get outside.

10. You’ll meet people outside of your college.

If you’re bored with your own student body, competitions are the perfect way to meet students at other colleges, who share similar interests to you. So what are you waiting for? Take a chance and join your school’s equestrian team.

Kimberly Meneo

Kim Meneo is a student at Connecticut College studying English and environmental science. In her free time, she volunteers at a local equine rescue and produces freelance articles for several companies. During the summer, she can usually be found relaxing on the beach with a good book. Any questions, concerns, or general inquiries can be emailed to her at kmeneo@conncoll.edu

Recent Posts

20 Signs You’re From Williamsburg VA

Williamsburg VA is the greatest place to live! Although you get annoyed with it when you're there, like all things…

21 minutes ago

20 Reasons Not to Stress About College Before You Get There

After months of studying, applying, crying and repeating, the high school graduating class of 2017 has finally made it. After…

4 hours ago

15 Signs You Grew Up In Warrington PA

Leaving for college has evoked feelings of nostalgia about the beauty of Warrington. It saw our cringe-worthy awkward stages and…

8 hours ago

The Best Lengthening Mascaras You Should Know About

You've guessed right! Today, this article will be on which brands have the best lengthening mascara! If you have not…

12 hours ago

10 Adorable Gameday Outfits at East Carolina University

Everyone wants to look cute for their first football game of the season! Here's a guide to ten cute gameday…

16 hours ago

10 Places To Cry When You Just Can’t Anymore At Syracuse University

Lets admit it - sometimes college can be a bit much and we get over it real fast. Here are…

20 hours ago