Everyone has a questions to ask, or something they are concerned about. Here we will try to help answer your questions that most everyone wants to know about.
What is East Carolina Equestrian?
ECU Equestrian is a Club Sport at East Carolina University. We offer those who are interested in horses a chance to experience all the joys of what being an equestrian has to offer. We are located out of Cottonwood farm in Vanceboro, NC. The team members take weekly lessons to better their skill. We have team practices before every show, and we compete with the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association.
What are the requirements to join?
To be apart of the team you must be a full time undergraduate student at ECU and have a minimum GPA of 2.0.
How much riding experience do I need?
Little to no riding experience is required to join our team! Our shows offer divisions from walk-trot up to open over fences (2'6), to accommodate all levels of riding.
What is the IHSA?
Established in 1967, the Intercollegiate Horse Show Associations (IHSA) is a non-profit organization that provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to compete both by themselves, and with their college teams, regardless of their riding level. The association has spread to 37 regions in 8 zones through 45 US states and Canada. ECU currently competes in Zone 4 Region 3.
How do IHSA shows work?
IHSA shows are very different from regular hunt seat shows. IHSA is run in a team-based format, and is judged on equitation. There are 8 collegiate classes run according to ability; each class counts for the same number of points, so our beginner riders are just as important to our success as our open/advanced riders. Each school in our region takes a turn hosting a show during the competition season, where they will provide facilities, tack and horses for all of the teams to use. Riders draw a horse at random that they will ride in their class- no practice time is permitted. It is definitely a challenge, but it is a very fair and fun way of competing.
Where do we practice?
We currently ride out of Cottonwood Farm in Vanceboro, NC with head coach Caroline Jackson.
What type of riding does the team do?
We ride English in shows and lessons, but our riders come from all different backgrounds. The IHSA is judged on equitation, so riders will be working on their position and a solid connection to their horse in lessons.
Do I need my own horse?
No you do not! Cottonwood Farm provides our team with school horses to practice on. We have horses of various levels to fit every rider on the team. IHSA requires that you ride an unfamiliar horse at shows, so we find it helpful to ride different horses in your lessons for practice.
Where do we show?
The IHSA zone 4 region 3 shows are held at stables less than 4 hours from ECU’s campus. Teams in the region have the opportunity to host a show at their home farm on weekends and there are usually 4-6 shows per semester. ECU hosts IHSA shows throughout the season.
How do lessons work?
Each member will lesson 12 times per semester, once a week on Monday through Thursday at Cottonwood Farm. Lesson groups and times are determined by each member’s class and work schedule. Information about what time members will lesson will be decided at rider evaluation.
What is the team atmosphere like?
Keeping a positive team atmosphere is something that the officers, coaches, and 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 is the commitment to 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, and 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!
What gear is required?
For riding lessons every rider is required to have an ASTM/SEI certified riding helmet, a pair of tall boots or paddock boots with half chaps, breeches, riding gloves, and a belt.
For horse shows every rider is required to have a black ASTM/SEI certified riding helmet (ex: One K, Samshield, etc.), a pair of tall boots, tan breeches with knee patch only (no full seat breeches), black riding gloves, a black belt, a white show shirt with collar, and a black or navy hunt coat.