Frequently Asked Questions

1) I have never ridden before, but have always wanted to try it, can I join Equestrian?

Yes! The Club is very open to beginner riders and Pendragon Equestrian Centre has very experienced, safe horses for you to learn on. They can also provide a helmet for your first few lessons. The IHSA also has divisions for riders who have not had that much experience, such as the walk-trot and beginner walk-trot-canter classes.

2) Do I need my own horse to ride at Colby?

No, you do not need to have a horse to ride here. All IHSA shows are ridden on horses randomly selected. Thistle Ridge also has enough school horses to accommodate our lesson groups.

3) How much does Equestrian cost?

Lesson fees are $25 per lesson. If you plan to show, there is also a $30 registration fee for the IHSA as well as class fees when you go to shows. There will also be some transportation/housing costs to and from shows if you plan to compete. Fees are payable at the beginning of each calender month.

4) I am a prospective Colby student, how can I learn more about the team?

We are happy to receive emails from prospective students. If you are visiting Colby and would like to see the barn, please email in advance. We will try to accommodate you and may be able to give you a tour of the barn during one of our scheduled lesson times. We also welcome juniors (spring) and seniors for overnight campus visits.

Please note: Team practices occur Monday-Friday in afternoons and evenings. Lessons are organized by group level. Sandy is happy for you to visit the barn on your own, but if you would like to go with the team, please contact ckcole@colby.edu for an updated lesson schedule.

5) Are there tryouts for the team?

There are no cuts from the team. If you would like to show, you may. You will be given an assessment lesson that will determine what level you are eligible to show at, but the team does not exclude.

6) I want to bring my horse to Colby, is this possible?

It is definitely possible to bring your horse to Colby. Boarding is available at Pendragon Equestrian Centre, as well as several other area barns where team members keep their horses. For more information about boarding a horse, please contact the team for suggestions. Board in Maine is approx. $400-500 a month for stall board. Several members of our team also keep their horses at Pure Country Stables in Mt. Vernon, ME which is about 35 minutes away from campus.

7) What are the requirements for each of the IHSA divisions?

    Walk-Trot - No more than 24 weeks of instruction. Never cantered or loped in a competition.

   Beginner Walk-Trot-Canter - More than 24 weeks of instruction, must not have competed in a show that required them to jump more than 18"

   Advanced Walk-Trot-Canter - Must not have jumped 2'9" or higher in any competition prior to registration, must not have competed in any recognized shows.

   Novice Flat & Fences - Must not have won more than five Hunter Seat Equitation classes on the flat in recognized shows. Must not have won more than six classes in any over fences classes at 3' or higher.

    Intermediate Flat & Fences - Have won more than six Hunter Seat Equitation classes on the flat, must not have won more than six classes at 3'6" or higher.
   
    Open Flat & Fences - Have won more than six classes over fences 3'6" and higher in recognized competitions, have won more than six hunter seat equitation classes on the flat.