Does Georgetown College have an intercollegiate riding team (IHSA)?

Yes!  Georgetown College has a hunt-seat Intercollegiate Horse Show Association team that is coached by Nori Scheffel of Scheffelridge Farm. This team is open to ALL Georgetown students; you can ride on the team and not be an Equine Scholar or you can be an Equine Scholar and not ride on the team. The Georgetown College Equestrian Team (GCET) is a Club Sport at Georgetown College and governed under Club Sport rules.

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How does IHSA work?

IHSA works differently from your typical horse show in that students do not compete on their own horse or the coach’s horses.  Teams travel to shows hosted by other area colleges and compete on the host college's horses, and competitors draw a horse’s name from a lottery to determine their mount.  IHSA classes are equitation classes, and competitors show on the flat and over fences at levels ranging from Beginner (walk-trot) through Open (Medal/Maclay level) depending on their previous riding experience

Do I need to use or bring my own horse?

No, students ride and practice on our coach’s horses.

Do I need to have my own equipment or show clothes?

Since the team uses our coach’s horses for practice and host facility’s horses for shows, students do not need to have their own riding equipment or tack.  Team members are required to wear a hunt coat, white show shirt with a ratcatcher collar (you do not have to have a stock pin), tan/khaki breeches with knee patches, black field boots, black gloves, and a black helmet when showing. Helmets and boots are required for riding during practice. If you do not own these items, you may be able to borrow them from other team members.

How much does it cost?

The cost varies depending on the number of shows that are attended each semester and whether a student is showing both flat and over fences. Some of the basic fees are:

  • IHSA Membership Fee: $40
  • Class Fee for Showing: $30 /class (the most classes you can enter are 2 per day)
  • Coach’s Fee for Show: $35
  • Lessons : $25/group and $35/semi-private  (Team members must take a minimum of eight lessons per semester)  *Please note these rates are subject to change.
  • Travel Expense : Varies. (This would include lunch, gas, etc) Our shows occasionally require overnight stay.

How do I join the team?

Information about the team will be provided in the fall semester soon after classes begin. Interested students can also email our Team Advisor at [email protected].

I like to ride, but I have never shown.  Can I still be on the team?

Yes, IHSA regulations allow students of all riding abilities to show. There will be a questionnaire when you first join the team to determine what level you will be showing at.

I ride another discipline than Hunter/Jumper.  Can I still be on the team?

Yes, while the team practices and shows hunt-seat equitation, riders of all disciplines are able to join the team. Many team members have had fun learning different riding styles.

I do not feel comfortable jumping.  Can I just show in the flat classes?

Yes, you are not required to show over fences.

I have always wanted to ride and think it would be fun to be on the team, but I have no horse experience. Can I still join the team?

Yes, the team is open to students of all riding abilities.  All that is required is an open mind, team spirit, and willingness to learn.

Is there a minimum GPA to be on the team?

Yes, like most sports, students must prove that they are committed to their studies to stay active on the team.  A semester GPA of at least a 2.0 is required.

How far is the barn from Georgetown’s campus?

Our team practices at Scheffelridge Farm, a facility located 15 minutes away from campus.

If riding on a team is not for you, but you would still like to ride, our prime location in the Horse Capital of the World allows students to take advantage of the multitude of riding resources throughout the area, whether english, western, saddleseat, eventing, reining, gaited horses, driving or any other equine pursuit is your passion. We have a list of local boarding and lesson barns should you want to investigate these options further.