FAQ
How much prior experience do I need to be on the team?
None! Members must be dedicated to learning to ride, but we welcome riders of all levels and experience.
Does the team recruit or offer athletic scholarships?
No. WUET is a club sports team, not a varsity team, so we do not recruit or offer athletic scholarships. That being said, if you are a prospective student looking to join, please do not hesitate to contact us!
Is every practice/lesson mandatory?
As typical WashU students, we put academics first and foremost and understand that conflicts can arise. You can cancel your lesson 24 hours beforehand. However, if you forget to cancel, you will still be charged for the lesson. The executive team automatically cancels your lessons during academic breaks. For Baskin Farms— we expect our riders to try to use their full lesson booklet (10 lessons) over the course of the semester, but if for whatever reason they still have remaining lessons, they roll over to the next semester.
What are some expenses I may come across?
In terms of expenses for riding our lessons range from $40-$50 per lesson depending on the barn at which you ride. The 10 lesson package at Baskin Farms gets you through one semester of riding, if not more. Western lessons/trail rides at Royale Ranch are $50 per session, paid in full before your time starts. In terms of showing, you must pay for your IHSA membership ($45 for hunt seat or western, $65 for combined hunt seat and western) and any food you decide to purchase at the show. Wash U covers entry fees, hotels, and transportation! You do not have to worry about buying show clothes or equipment as we all borrow from each other. If you find difficulty with any of these expenses, the WashU Student Success Fund is here to help you— horses are expensive and we want everyone to be able to ride.
Do you offer financial assistance for the fees associated with WUET?
Yes! Although we are incredibly thankful for WashU covering our competition expenses, we understand that horseback riding is still an expensive sport and that our lesson prices aren't feasible for everyone. As a result, we offer need-based financial assistance to those who wish to ride with WUET. Please do not hesitate to contact us for additional details!
Can I still ride if I chose not to join the team?
If you choose not to join the team, you can certainly still ride at a WUET facility, you just can't be in our group lessons and benefit from our reduced rates and drivers. Additionally, if you plan to show in IHSA, you have to lesson with us to be on our team. That is an IHSA rule. Riding with WUET is also a great way to meet other WashU equestrians and be part of a sports team community on campus.
Can I bring and board my horse at a WUET facility?
Yes, although our barns have limited boarding facilities, so please email us so we can further look into it. Keep in mind that many students can find it is difficult to keep up with their own horse as well as the academics at Wash U, though it has been done in the past. If you choose to compete in IHSA, it is better to ride school horses and it prepares you for the kind of horses we compete on in shows.
I'm a prospective student and would love to come visit your facility or meet with someone from the team during my visit! How could I look into that?
Feel free to email us at washuequestrian@gmail.com and we would be happy to set something up! In the past, prospective students have even spent the night with WUET riders. We love having the opportunity to show you around campus.
Is the team only open to undergraduate students?
No! Wash U graduate students are also welcome to join the team and lesson with us! However, unless you rode with IHSA as an undergraduate and are eligible to compete as an alumni member, graduate students aren't able to show with us.