Prospective Riders

What does it take to be on the University of Delaware Equestrian Team?

We are looking for anyone and everyone. It doesn't matter if you have no experience with horses or you are the top rider on the A-Circuit, we want you to join! You don't have to be just a hunter rider, we have people of all disiplines who come together just for the love of horses. No one is required to show, so if you just want to take lessons, that is ok with us!

Do you need to have your own horse?

Not at all! A majority of the members do not own their own horses! UDET gives these riders the opportunity to continue riding during the school year when they wouldn't be able to. A couple of our members do have their own horses and it is their choice if they want to board them at local barns.

What is the time commitment like?

The amount of time dedicated to the team all depends on how much an individual is willing to give. We have 3 levels of membership in order to accommedate everyone.

1. Non-Showing Members
These members are required to attend one monthly meeting, although they are strongly recommended that they read the meeting minutes to stay on top of the information. They are also required to help out in 2 mandatory shows, the western show in the fall and the english show in the spring. There is also one mandatory fundraiser per semester that they need to participate in. Other than that, non-showing members can decide if they would like to participate in lessons, social events, and horse related field trips and activities.

2. Team B Showing Members
Members who choose to be on Team B are semi-active showing members. They show occasionally but still participate in lessons and are to attend weekly meetings. They can also choose to attend social events and horse related field trips and activities. They are required to help out in 2 mandatory shows, the western show in the fall and the english show in the spring, and participate in the one mandatory fundraiser per semester.

3. Team A Showing Members
These members are the active showing members who want to attend almost every possible show throughout the season. Besides being required to help out in 2 mandatory shows, the western show in the fall and the english show in the spring, and participate in the one mandatory fundraiser per semester, Team A members are required to attend weekly meetings, weekly lessons, and weekly workouts. Again, they can choose to attend social events and horse related field trips and activities.

What equipment is needed in order to take lessons?

Riders are only required to own a ASTM/SEI certified riding helmet and a pair of boots that have a slight heal. Riders do not need to own their own saddles, which are provided at both barns, but may bring their own saddles if they wish to. Chaps, full or half, maybe warn during lessons, and are encouraged since wearing just jeans can rub and pinch. Riders may also wear tall boots and britches to lessons but it is not required. It is up to individual.

What is required for showing?

Showing members are required only to have their own ASTM/SEI certified riding helmet. Show jackets, show shirts with collars, britches, tall boots, gloves, and hair nets may be borrowed. For western, chaps, fitted blouse (horsemanship style with leotard bottoms are popular), with or without vest, western hat, western boots, belt and buckle may all be borrowed as well.

If riders want to purchase their own attire for showing, it is recommended that they follow these guidelines:

English:
• Show jackets should be of a tailored fit and be the correct length in the arms and bottom hem. They must be navy, brown, or grey (maybe pin-striped) - black is strongly discouraged. Red, green or other colors are not accepted.

• Show shirts may be any color and must have a matching collar. Stock pins are PROHIBITED through the IHSA due to safety concerns. The collars may be monogramed.

• Gloves are to be black. No white or other colors. May be leather or synthetic fabric.

• Britches are to be fitted properly and should be greenish beige or tan. No white, black or other colors.

• Tall boots should be clean, black, field (laced) boots and should be fitted properly in height, calf, and foot.

• Hair nets are to be matched as closely as possible to your hair color. Its a good idea to stock up on them, they are cheap. There is always someone around to help with putting your hair up. It's a good idea to also have extra hair ties.

• Jewelry and make up must be worn conservatively.

Western:
• Boots should preferably be black. If not, they should match your chap color and it is best you have your own pair.

• Pants should be black pants or jeans (no low-rise). These are to go underneath the chaps.

• Belts should have a big buckle (the bigger the better!) and should match the color of your chaps.

• Chaps can be any color that match your show shirt but black is mostly worn (it makes you appear slimmer while riding).

• Show shirts should go well with the chaps and make the appearance of a smooth, connected, blended look from head to toe. They should be 'big enough in the shoulders for athletic comfort but trim enough through the waist to stay trimly tucked in.'

• Hats should match your chaps.

• Jewelry is allowed to be worn and highly encouraged in order to help catch the judge's eyes. Bring out the 'bling!!'

• Make up should be worn again to help catch the judge's eye.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our president, Jess Serron by email.