Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost to be on the team?
A: Check out the 'How to Join' tab under 'About' for a break-down of prices.
Q: Do I need a horse to be on the team?
A: No, you do not need to own a horse to be on the team. Typically, we ride one of the barn's lesson horses! There are no extra fees to ride our horses for lessons.
Q: Do I need to have prior riding experience to be on the team?
A: Prior riding experience is not necessary to be on our team! We welcome all levels of riding and anyone with a love for horses. The varying levels of lesson horses we use allow us to accommodate riders beginner thru advanced. Additionally, our coach, and assistant coach, have many years of training experience, so you are sure to feel comfortable learning from some of the best in the business!
Q: What do I need to wear while on the team?
A: Members have different preferences of what they wear when riding. However, to take part in the practices, you need to have at least a pair of hard-soled, heeled boots. Helmets are provided by Stillmeadows farm. Breeches and tall boots are required if you decide to show.
Q: Where can I find riding apparel?
A: If you're looking for new apparel, you can visit Champion Saddlery. Additionally, you can order apparel online through websites like Dover Saddlery and State Line Tack. If you would prefer used apparel, we highly recommend Changing Reins.
Q: Is there a dress code to ride?
A: Helmets are ALWAYS required when riding. Tank-tops are not allowed to be worn when riding. Crew-neck t-shirts or collared shirts are preferred. Please no dangly earrings or jewelry. Try to keep it plain and not wear what you wore to go out the night before. Breeches are preferred but jeans are acceptable. You can wear tall boots, or paddock boots with half-chaps.
Q: When are lessons held?
A: Lessons are based on your schedule and ability. You will need around a 3 hour block of time for each lesson to tack up, ride, and untack.
Q: How close is the barn to campus?
A: Stillmeadows farm is conveniently located about 15 minutes from the Monroe Park Campus. A short drive on I-95, our barn is located at 8472 Wyndale Drive, Mechanicsville, VA 23116.
Q: Do I need a car to get to the barn?
A: Although it is recommended and easier to have a car, carpooling options are available. Let us know and you can catch a ride with one of the fellow team members.
Q: Do I have to compete on the team?
A: No, you do not have to compete to be a part of the team. You can choose to just take part in lessons, but you are welcome to attend competitions to help cheer on the team.
Q: Which schools do we compete against?
A: In the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA), we are a part of Zone IV, Region 4, which is a new region. We will be competing against CNU, ODU, Longwood, University of Richmond, Mary Washington, and William and Mary.
Q: How are typical horse shows ran?
A: Horse shows are always a fun and bonding time for the team! Unlike regular horse shows, IHSA shows don't require you to bring a horse. Instead, the host institution provides the horses. All you need to do is bring yourself and your clothes! You will pick a horse's name out of a cup and ride that horse in your class! Note: The horses used at these competitions are experienced lesson horses. There is no need to be nervous when riding these horses, as they are seasoned professionals when it comes to IHSA shows!
A: Check out the 'How to Join' tab under 'About' for a break-down of prices.
Q: Do I need a horse to be on the team?
A: No, you do not need to own a horse to be on the team. Typically, we ride one of the barn's lesson horses! There are no extra fees to ride our horses for lessons.
Q: Do I need to have prior riding experience to be on the team?
A: Prior riding experience is not necessary to be on our team! We welcome all levels of riding and anyone with a love for horses. The varying levels of lesson horses we use allow us to accommodate riders beginner thru advanced. Additionally, our coach, and assistant coach, have many years of training experience, so you are sure to feel comfortable learning from some of the best in the business!
Q: What do I need to wear while on the team?
A: Members have different preferences of what they wear when riding. However, to take part in the practices, you need to have at least a pair of hard-soled, heeled boots. Helmets are provided by Stillmeadows farm. Breeches and tall boots are required if you decide to show.
Q: Where can I find riding apparel?
A: If you're looking for new apparel, you can visit Champion Saddlery. Additionally, you can order apparel online through websites like Dover Saddlery and State Line Tack. If you would prefer used apparel, we highly recommend Changing Reins.
Q: Is there a dress code to ride?
A: Helmets are ALWAYS required when riding. Tank-tops are not allowed to be worn when riding. Crew-neck t-shirts or collared shirts are preferred. Please no dangly earrings or jewelry. Try to keep it plain and not wear what you wore to go out the night before. Breeches are preferred but jeans are acceptable. You can wear tall boots, or paddock boots with half-chaps.
Q: When are lessons held?
A: Lessons are based on your schedule and ability. You will need around a 3 hour block of time for each lesson to tack up, ride, and untack.
Q: How close is the barn to campus?
A: Stillmeadows farm is conveniently located about 15 minutes from the Monroe Park Campus. A short drive on I-95, our barn is located at 8472 Wyndale Drive, Mechanicsville, VA 23116.
Q: Do I need a car to get to the barn?
A: Although it is recommended and easier to have a car, carpooling options are available. Let us know and you can catch a ride with one of the fellow team members.
Q: Do I have to compete on the team?
A: No, you do not have to compete to be a part of the team. You can choose to just take part in lessons, but you are welcome to attend competitions to help cheer on the team.
Q: Which schools do we compete against?
A: In the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA), we are a part of Zone IV, Region 4, which is a new region. We will be competing against CNU, ODU, Longwood, University of Richmond, Mary Washington, and William and Mary.
Q: How are typical horse shows ran?
A: Horse shows are always a fun and bonding time for the team! Unlike regular horse shows, IHSA shows don't require you to bring a horse. Instead, the host institution provides the horses. All you need to do is bring yourself and your clothes! You will pick a horse's name out of a cup and ride that horse in your class! Note: The horses used at these competitions are experienced lesson horses. There is no need to be nervous when riding these horses, as they are seasoned professionals when it comes to IHSA shows!
No hour of life spent in the saddle is wasted.