FAQ

Below are a few of the most common questions we are asked, please do not hesitate to reach out with any more!

  1. Where do you practice/how often?
    • The team primarily practices at the Stanwood Equestrian Center which is an hour north of campus. Our Western Coach has an independent training program at the facility called Ready2Ride Training, both our Western and English Coaches train through Ready2Ride. We also work with a Hunter Jumper trainer about 40 minutes away from campus for those who are interested in more jumping focused lessons. Lesson times are dependent on personal schedules and you may lesson as often or seldomly as you want. Those who wish to be show members must lesson with a COACH at least 2x a month during show season (subject to change).
    • Info about R2R: http://www.readytoridetraining.com/
    • Info about Stanwood Equestrian Center: https://www.stanwoodequestriancenter.com/
  2. How do we get to lessons?
    • Most lessons are group lessons in which a driver will carpool all those lessoning to the respective facility. Cars are not mandatory to join the team but if you have one available and are able to carpool people to lessons that would be wonderful :)!
  3. How much does it cost to join the team?
    • We have an annual fee of about $125-$175 depending on how involved the member placs to be (show vs. non-show). Fees are subject to change and are often based upon the fundraising and budget from the prior year. We are more than happy to work out payment plans with members or discuss alternative options, it is important to us that money is never comes in the way of someone having access to the beauty that is horses!
    • To get a greater break-down of annual expenses, check out our expected costs page here.
  4. How many horses do we have?
    • The team does not own horses, but our coaches have between 10-20 they allow us to train with.
  5. Can I join with no riding experience?
    • Yes! We work with riders with all types of experience. Our coaches are well-versed in teaching beginner->advanced equestrians, and IHSA has show options for riders at all stages of experience.
  6. What equipment do I need?
    • The team has a small collection apparel and we are always open to sharing. Most everything is borrowable (including show clothes) but you should be prepared to get your own helmet, boots, and riding attire appropriate to your discipline. Nothing has to be bought prior to joining the team, we will go over apparel and how to prepare for show season at our first few meetings of the year.
  7. Is there any high schooler opportunities?
    • The University of Washington Equestrian Team does not have any programs with surrounding High Schools. If you are interested in the type of showing IHSA provides, there is a intermediate version called Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) that operates a lot like IHSA.
    • Info regarding IEA: https://www.facebook.com/rideiea/
  8. Can I join if I don’t go to UW Seattle?
    • All UW students are welcome to join our team, however only Seattle Campus undergraduate students are able to be a part of our competative show teams. This is not our rule but a rule pertaining to IHSA, we sadly do not have any control over the matter. If you would like to learn more about this rule please reach out to us.
  9. Who do you train with?
    • Our coaches train out of Stanwood Equestrian Center, but their program is called Ready2Ride Training
  10. Can I bring my horse?
    • The team does not facilitate personal horse activities, if you are looking for boarding or personal training options contact Ready2Ride or Stanwood Equestrian Center. Many members have personal riding careers alongside the teams, but keep in mind we also do not use personal horses during lessons or clinics (for the most part) but rather our coaches horses. Riding a variety of horses helps to better prepare us for our shows!
  11. Can I do my own horse activities and be on the team?
    • Yes! Many people ride + do our team, it is up to you!
  12. Is it a big time commitment?
    • It depends on how involved you want to be and your connection with the team. People who show can be expected to have lessons weekly, attend weekly meetings, go to the occasional clinic, and go on weekend trips to shows.