Frequently Asked Questions

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How much does it cost to ride with the Penn Equestrian Team?

Membership dues are $75/semester for showing members, and $60/semester for non-showing members. There is also a $45 IHSA membership fee for those members who wish to show. Lessons cost $45 for weekly lessons and $40 for semiweekly lessons. They can be purchased monthly in packs of two (biweekly lessons), four (weekly lessons), eight (semiweekly lessons). Showing members are required to lesson weekly at the minimu, and will not be permitted to participate in the show if he/she does not ride in a lesson the week prior to a show.

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What is the time commitment?

Members may lesson as frequently or infrequently as they would like. It is also required for members to attend monthly mandatory GBMs, where we will be discussing important team matters. However, showing members are required to lesson weekly. Members are also required to help out with the horse show UPenn hosts.

 

What equipment do I need if I've never ridden before?

All members should aim to purchase their own helmet. For lessons, you will also need a pair of comfortable jeans or breeches and boots with a small heel on them. Riding gloves are helpful, but not necessary at first. For shows, the team has some equipment (jackets, shirts, breeches). If you would like to purchase any equipment, we suggest Dover Saddlery or State Line Tack Shop for moderately priced equipment for all levels of riders.

 

Can I bring my own equipment from home?

Yes, we encourage riders to bring their breeches, boots, helmets etc. to college as well as their show equipment in case they would like to show at Penn. It is also permissible to bring your own saddle with you to campus for use in lessons at the coaches' discretion.

 

Do you have your own stables or horses?

Penn is located in the urban sprawl of Philadelphia and unfortunately we do not have our own facilities or horses like many of the schools we compete against. In lessons, we ride horses that belong to the stables where we ride.

 

I want to bring my horse from home, can I board with you?

There are several barns within an hour of campus that offer a variety of facilities at different prices and Northwestern also offer boarding facilities at limited quantities, but the Penn Equestrian Team does not offer boarding facilities, nor can we effectively assist in a search for facilities.

 

Does the Penn Equestrian Team recruit prospective athletes?

Since we are not a varsity sport here at Penn, we do not recruit students, nor can we assist in the admissions process. We are recognized solely as a student-run club sport.

 

Do you compete in other Showing Associations?

No, all of our shows are run by the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). Many of our riders show at USEF-recognized shows on the weekends and during the summer season. We do, however, compete at the annual All-Ivies championship.