Joining the Team:
Requirements
To be eligible for the team, individuals must have previous riding experience. In order to join the team, riders will need to participate in the application and tryout process. Spots on the team vary from year to year and differ among divisions, though it is common that the team consists of roughly 20 competitors. The divisions on the team have the following rider requirements:
Open Division
- Winning three (3) first place ribbons in an equitation over fences or medal class at a height of 3’3” (1.0m) or higher in a show that is part of a series or recognized circuit
- Placing six (6) times in an equitation over fences, medal class, hunter over fences, or jumper class at a height of 3’6” (1.10m) or higher in a show that is part of a series or recognized circuit
- An Eventing qualifying score at the Training Level or above*
- Having competed in the Open Division on the OCEA circuit during the previous year
Intermediate Division
- Winning three (3) first place ribbons in an equitation over fences or medal class at a height of 2’9” (0.85m) or higher in a show that is part of a series or recognized circuit.
- Placing six (6) times in an equitation over fences, medal class, hunter over fences, or jumper class at a height at 3” (0.90m) or higher in a show that is part of a series or recognized circuit
- An Eventing qualifying score at the Pre-Training Level*
- Having competed in the Intermediate Division on the OCEA circuit during the previous year.
Novice Division
- Winning three (3) first place ribbons in an equitation over fences or medal class at a height of 2’6” (0.75m) or higher in a show that is part of a series or recognized circuit
- Placing six (6) times in an equitation over fences, medal class, hunter over fences, or jumper class at a height of 2’9” (0.85m) or higher in a show that is part of a series or recognized circuit
- An Eventing qualifying score at the Entry Level or above*
- Having competed in the Novice Division on the OCEA circuit during the previous year.
Entry Division
- Being a part of a hunter, jumper, equitation, or eventing lesson program at a level which ensures the individual is jumping consistently at a height of 2’0” (two feet) or higher for the past four months, at minimum. The must be able to be confirmed by your instructor.
- An Eventing qualifying score at the Pre-Entry Level*
- Having competed in the Entry Division on the OCEA circuit during the previous year.
Tryouts
Tryouts are held at our home barn, Findaway Equestrian Services (findawayequestrian.com), and typically occur within the first two weeks of September each year. We post applications for the team on our Instagram (@waterlooequestrian) at least one week prior to tryouts. If you have any questions about this process or don’t have Instagram, you can email us (equestrian@uwaterloo.ca).
Commitments
Team members are expected to come to UWEQ workouts and take regular riding lessons. Our workouts occur twice a week and riding lessons must be taken at a biweekly minimum, though weekly is encouraged. UWEQ riders are welcomed to take riding lessons with the team at Findaway Equestrian (findawayequestrian.com) or take lessons with their own coach.
In addition to competing, the team also organizes optional social events and activities throughout the year. Activities typically include visiting the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, having watch parties for equestrian events, and taking part in riding clinics.
Finances
Riders on the team can expect to pay membership fees at the beginning of the year as well as fees per show, lesson, or any optional event they may want to participate in.
- Mandatory Expenses:
- $45 for tryouts (subject to change)
- $70 OCEA membership
- $75 OE membership (if you don’t have one already)
- $70 team membership (subject to change)
- $55 per lesson at Findaway (unless you lesson elsewhere)
- $95 per show (2-4 a year)
- Examples of Optional Expenses:
- $50-80 for visiting the Royal Winter Fair
- $125 for purchasing a team jacket
- $50-150 for participating in a riding clinic
We have a fundraising committee that works hard to generate income for the team bank account to lower expenses where possible. We try to keep the team as affordable as possible for students, though it is difficult at times as the equestrian sport can get quite expensive. Donations, sponsorships, and volunteers are always welcomed and greatly appreciated!
Contacting
The best way to keep up to date with the team is to follow our Instagram (@waterlooequestrian). If you have any additional questions you can DM us on Instagram or email us (equestrian@uwaterloo.ca).
Waterloo Equestrian 