| Frequently Asked Questions
How do I join the WFU Equestrian Team?
The huntseat team has try outs that take place at the start of each school year at our barn. You will ride one or more of our school horses for about 30 minutes, as our trainer evaluates your skill level. The most experienced riders are not the only ones who will necessarily make the team - it is really a matter of logistics. It depends on which divisions we need riders for (we are always looking for beginners!), the numbers of girls who are abroad and your ability to commit to the team, among other factors. The huntseat team is a relatively small team with a limited amount of spaces, but the number of riders is generally flexible, and if you are willing to show that you are committed to riding then we will do our best to find a place for you on our team.
How much does it cost to join?
The Equestrian Club itself costs $20 to join. This includes a t-shirt and usually a social event or two throughout the year. As a member of the huntseat team, you pre-pay for the weekly lessons at the start of each semester. It costs about $630 per semester, which includes a weekly lesson, hacking once a week upon arrangement, contribution to fees of leasing the horses used in the lessons, as well as coaching fees for the shows. As we are a club sport, Wake Forest requires us to pay our own entry fees for the shows, which is about $20 for each class (you will not be entered in more than two classes per horseshow). The huntseat team carpools to the shows, and we all chip in for gas money for the driver.
How often does the team practice?
The huntseat team has weekly lessons with our coach, Anne Morgan. These are scheduled at the beginning of each semester, depending on ability and schedules. We normally carpool to lessons, so having a car is usually not an issue.
Can I ride my own horse at the shows?
In IHSA horseshows, each school provides the horses for each show. Shortly before your class begins, you randomly draw a horse’s name, based on height order. The host school provides a brief description about each of their horses, but that is the only preparation you will be given - no warming up. Over the years you will eventually become more familiar with the types of horses you will be riding at each respective school - in Zone 4, Region 3, we are very fortunate to show at schools that have an excellent selection of horses to show on. See the IHSA website for official rules.
What sort of clothes do I need?
For horse shows, typical hunt seat attire is required:
- ASTM/SEI approved helmet – most people wear IRHs or GPAs
- Hair net
- Tailored hunt coat (navy, hunter green, dark gray, etc.)
- Show shirt with collar
- Black gloves (preferably leather)
- Beige breeches (such as Tailored Sportsmans)
- Tall black field boots
- Belt (optional)
Don't worry if you don't have all of the necessary riding attire - as a team, we are always willing to help out our other teammates, and it is usually easy to share parts of the show outfit. |
