Recruiting 101

The best time for prospective student-athletes (PSA’s) to start the recruiting process is during their sophomore (10th grade) year of high school. Although the coaches will not be able to communicate with the PSA until after June 15th, it is in their best interest to be emailing the coaches prior to June 15th.

A typical day for an equestrian student-athlete will often include strength and conditioning workouts, practice, and academic studies.

The NCEA competition consists of two disciplines, Hunt Seat and Western. Riders on the Hunt Seat team compete in two events, Equitation on the Flat and Equitation over Fences. Riders on the Western team also compete in two events, Reigning and Horsemanship. On competition day, five riders will compete in each event for points with often an exhibition rider and demonstration rider who are both scored for the team. Note - some riders will compete in both events.

For each event, the rider will compete on a randomly assigned horse at the host school and compete against a randomly assigned rider from the opposing team. Riders have four minutes to test maneuvers, familiarize themselves with the horse, and if competing in fences, have up to four fences before they go head-to-head with their competitor. The rider who receives the highest score for their round or pattern receives the point for their team.

The Equitation over Fences is similar to equitation courses at the “big eq” level with challenging courses set at the 3’3” - 3’6” level. Equitation on the flat follows a pattern selected by the host school and is similar to a dressage test taking place in a 40x20 meter ring.